New Provincial Police Team To Tackle Human Trafficking In B.C.

The Province has launched a new provincial response team targeting human trafficking.

The Counter Human Trafficking Unit is a 12-member specialized team tasked with improving how these crimes are detected, investigated, and prosecuted across the province.

“Human trafficking occurs in all areas of our province, and we all have a role to play in helping to prevent these horrific crimes,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“The creation of this new unit marks a significant step forward in our government’s efforts to assist police in identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking, while also strengthening evidence-gathering to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.”

Human trafficking is often called a hidden crime, one that exploits vulnerable individuals for profit.

It’s complex, hard to detect, and even harder to investigate without the right resources.

The province says this new unit will fill that gap by focusing on intelligence, training, and front-line support for investigations.

They’ll work with police departments and other partners to ensure officers are trained to identify the signs of trafficking, while also helping victims get the support they need.

The funding for this team comes from a larger $230-million investment in B.C.’s Provincial Police Service, aimed at building capacity in specialized units, including internet child exploitation, highway patrol, and major crime.

In 2023, only 43 human trafficking cases were reported in B.C., though experts say the actual number is likely much higher due to underreporting.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.