The San Joaquin Board of Supervisors is set to consider District Attorney Ron Freitas’ recommendation to designate January 1, 2024, through January 31, 2024, as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. The proclamation aims to address the alarming rise in human trafficking incidents, as highlighted in the October 2023 United States Department of Justice report.

Key Reasons for the Recommendation:

- The DOJ report reveals a doubling of human trafficking prosecutions from 2011 to 2021, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and prevention efforts.

- The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office plays a crucial role in combating trafficking, providing comprehensive support through various initiatives, including the Family Justice Center, Victim Witness Division, Prosecution, and Investigation.

 Collaborative Efforts and Community Commitment:

 - The END IT Alliance, a countywide effort, involves partners such as PREVAIL, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Community Medical Center, Probation Department, Without Permission, Law Enforcement, Child Abuse Prevention Council, and others, demonstrating a united front against human trafficking.

 On January 9, 2024, during their scheduled meeting, the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors will consider the recommendation to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and should be recognized as the abhorrent criminal activity that it is,” commented Board Chairman Robert Rickman. “We appreciate District Attorney Ron Freitas’ commitment to bringing criminals who manipulate and traffic men, women, and children to justice.   We are also proud to have the Family Justice Center here in San Joaquin County to assist victims and ensure that they are equipped to participate in justice proceedings and continue forward with their lives in meaningful and positive ways.”

District Attorney Ron Freitas expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am profoundly thankful to the Board of Supervisors and Chairman Rickman, for their unwavering recognition of the urgent need to address human trafficking, standing united in our commitment to combat this pervasive issue."

Erin Haight, Public Information Officer for the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office, expressed that there is no fiscal impact associated with adopting this proclamation.