Proposal Narrative.docx

City of Buckeye — Regular Council Meeting (2026-04-07)

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Proposal Narrative
1. Description of the Need
a. Issue Being Addressed
Human trafficking has become too common an occurrence. As of 2022, worldwide human
trafficking was estimated by the International Labor Organization to be a $236 billion a year
industry (The nexus between drug trafficking and human trafficking | Hope for Justice). It is
estimated that there have been over 40 million victims of human trafficking. It is also
estimated that annually, over 300,000 children are sold by human traffickers. Perpetrators
may be located anywhere in the world and can hide behind IP addresses and codenames,
making it difficult for law enforcement to locate them.
The drive from the City of Buckeye to the U.S./Mexico border is approximately 2 hours (117
miles). The short drive, coupled with access to the US Interstate I-10 and Arizona State Route
85, makes Buckeye a common thoroughfare for human smuggling, human trafficking, and
drug trafficking.
California and Texas are the top 2 human trafficking states according to Insider Monkey,
which, along with the Mexican border, provide pathways into and through Buckeye, Arizona,
for human trafficking activities, including victims who have also suffered domestic violence,
sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking. Additionally, metro Phoenix is listed as
having one of the highest human trafficking crime rates in the United States, listed at #19,
serving as a transportation hub for human trafficking. Also, as an exacerbating factor, metro
Phoenix has a high number of immigrants, most of whom live in poverty, lending themselves
prey to human trafficking activities. Collaboration on human trafficking issues and the
mobilization of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governments is critical. The
fight against human trafficking requires human resources. The Buckeye Police Department

(BPD) seeks to improve human trafficking investigative and prosecution efforts through the
creation of an Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (AHTTF) composed of two sworn
Detectives and one civilian Intelligence Analyst. The AHTTF will collaborate with
neighboring jurisdictions, as well as victim service providers, to improve procedures and
planning efforts to address labor and sex trafficking.
b. Prior Attempts
In August of 2023, BPD formed an anti-human trafficking coalition with the Cities of
Avondale and Goodyear, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southwest Family
Advocacy Center. The purpose of the coalition is to combat human trafficking within this
region of the metro Phoenix area. The coalition investigates, rescues, prosecutes, collects
data, coordinates programs, and directs service provisions for identified victims. The
coalition conducts regular anti-human trafficking operations within the three city
jurisdictions, alternating amongst the cities. Since its inception, the coalition has conducted
over seven operations throughout the western part of metro Phoenix.
These prior operations have resulted in 80 prostitution related arrests and 6 child sex
trafficking arrests. Additionally, 63 outreach contacts were made after the operations.
Outreach contacts are post-operation activities, usually the following day, which involve
contacting victims who are willing to participate in an information and resource event to
address the prior night’s engagement.
c. Supporting Data
According to BPD’s 2024 Annual Report, 853 victims were served by the Buckeye Police
Department's Victim Services Unit (2024 annual report). Victimizations included adult sexual
assault, disorderly conduct, child physical abuse or neglect, adult physical assault, child

sexual abuse/assault, criminal damage, identity theft/fraud/financial crime, and domestic
and/or family violence. This project aims to combat transnational crimes, including cartel and
illegal immigration crimes linked to human, drug, and weapons trafficking.
d. Current Efforts and Challenges
As previously mentioned, in August of 2023, BPD formed an anti-human trafficking
coalition with the Cities of Avondale and Goodyear, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office,
and the Southwest Family Advocacy Center. The purpose of the coalition is to combat human
trafficking within this region of the metro Phoenix area. The coalition investigates, rescues,
prosecutes, collects data, coordinates programs, and directs service provisions for identified
victims. This coalition is still active and regularly conducts anti-human trafficking operations
within the three city jurisdictions, alternating amongst the cities. The operations are currently
conducted once per quarter, due to the limited human resources available. BPD would like to
increase the number of anti-human trafficking investigations, but needs two Detectives and
one civilian Intelligence Analyst who can dedicate themselves to only working human
trafficking cases. Also, BPD has found that it needs to pursue missing persons and runaways,
as these groups are often due to human trafficking activity or are susceptible to human
trafficking.
BPD has applied for and has subsequently been awarded grants that support anti-human
trafficking efforts, such as stationary License Plate Recognition devices (LPRs) and
investigative software that helps detectives identify potential human trafficking activities.
The LPRs have been successful in the City of Buckeye within the last 18 months, with the
LPRs aiding BPD to locate 3 missing people, locate and recover 18 stolen vehicles, and track
and arrest the suspects from 2 armed robberies. In one instance, BPD conducted a traffic stop

on a stolen vehicle after the LPR alerted officers. The driver of the vehicle stated that they
were paid to drive south to the U.S./Mexico border to pick up people to smuggle them into
the United States and potentially turn them into victims of human trafficking. The awarded
investigative software has been beneficial to BPD, but due to the limited BPD personnel
budget and the limited funding for investigative efforts for human trafficking, BPD has not
been able to allocate the necessary resources to pursue all of the potential leads. While the
addition of the LPRs and the investigative software has improved BPD’s efforts toward
combating human trafficking, BPD requires additional human resources that can dedicate
their work solely to investigating human trafficking tips and proactively work cases. Through
the addition of the proposed AHTTF, BPD anticipates an increase in human trafficking
investigations and prosecutions, as well as an increase in the number of victims identified
and receiving services.
2. Project Goals and Objectives
a. Project Goals
BPD proposed the formation of an AHHTF consisting of two sworn Detectives and one
civilian Intelligence Analyst who will work solely on human trafficking cases and tips. The
goal of the proposed AHHTF is to increase BPD’s investigation and prosecution efforts while
collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions and victim service providers. The AHHTF’s
activities will include the identification of human trafficking (including labor and sex
trafficking) victims and perpetrators. BPD will also include missing persons and runaways,
as these groups are often victims of human trafficking activity or are susceptible to human
trafficking.

Victims will promptly be directed to or provided with the appropriate resources to aid them
in recovery. Perpetrators will be prosecuted in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws.
Another goal of BPD’s AHHTF is the continuous improvement of services provided to
victims of human trafficking. BPD will continuously engage individuals willing to share their
experience of surviving human trafficking to improve BPD’s efforts. Lastly, BPD anticipates
an initial increase in human trafficking cases, but the goal is to reduce these cases through
early detection, prevention, and awareness efforts.
b. Project Objectives
The addition of the two sworn Detectives and the one civilian Intelligence Analyst will
enable BPD to form an AHHTF, in which they can dedicate 100% of their time to anti-human
trafficking activities.
The proposed AHHTF will address all five objectives listed by the Office for Victims of
Crime:
Objective 1: BPD will collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions, the Maricopa County
Attorney’s Office, and victim advocacy centers to increase the number of victims served. The
AHHTF will also increase the number of personnel trained to respond to human trafficking
tips and investigations.
Objective 2: BPD’s AHHTF will engage in strategic planning efforts to launch anti-human
trafficking efforts and initiatives to combat human trafficking, including labor and sex
trafficking.
Objective 3: The AHHTF will improve BPD’s current human trafficking investigative
procedures and develop new procedures, if necessary. BPD will undergo regular evaluations

of policies and procedures to ensure proper identification of victims and suspects, while
maintaining victim privacy.
Objective 4: BPD’s new AHHTF seeks to increase the number of identified victims and
promptly provide them with the services necessary for recovery, while maintaining their
privacy.
Objective 5: The AHHTF will conduct the appropriate investigative tasks that will enable it
to successfully prosecute human trafficking perpetrators on behalf of the victims.
c. Goals and Objectives in Relationship to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
The project’s goals and objectives directly relate to the stated goals and objectives listed within
the NOFO. As stated in a prior section, BPD’s AHHTF will address all five objectives listed by
the Office for Victims of Crime FY 25 Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to
Combat Human Trafficking NOFO.
d. Enhancement of Community Response to Labor Trafficking
The proposed project will enhance the community’s response to labor and sex trafficking by
ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to combat human trafficking. BPD currently
publishes Be On the Look Out (BOLO) announcements for runaways and missing persons on
their social media accounts in hopes that community members can assist in the location of
missing persons and runaways. These BOLOs are published in an effort to interdict human
trafficking and prevent runaways from becoming victims of human trafficking (see example
below). Citizens can submit tips to BPD, and BPD personnel follow up on those leads through
the technological resources available to them. The civilian Intelligence Analyst and sworn
detectives position will utilize BPD’s Real-Time Information Center technology to follow up on

leads and attempt to locate victims. Through the technology available and the proposed
additional human resources, the community’s response to labor trafficking will be enhanced.

VICTIM ADVOCATE
Buckeye maintains a Neighborhood Services Manager position. Under general supervision of the
Neighborhood Services Manager, the existing BPD victim advocate supports the daily and
special operations of the Victim Assistance Program. Responsibilities include crisis intervention,
victim advocacy, and support services to victims of crime. Incumbents coordinate and work with
internal and external law enforcement personnel, criminal prosecutors, and external
agencies/entities during the execution of providing necessary services to victims of crimes that
occur within the City of Buckeye.
SOUTHWEST ADVOCACY CENTER

The Southwest Advocacy Center (SWFAC) is located in Buckeye’s neighboring city of
Goodyear, Arizona. SWFAC is a family and child-focused facility where law enforcement,
prosecution, medical, mental health, child protection, and victim advocacy personnel work
collaboratively in the treatment, investigation, prosecution, and management of domestic
violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and child abuse cases. SWFAC ensures that victims are
treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire recovery and investigative process.
SWFAC also conducts forensic medical exams and interviews in a safe and friendly
environment. Assisting victims and their families through advocacy services and therapy is
another service that SWFAC provides.
RECOVERY INNOVATIONS
Recovery Innovations is a global leader in mental health and substance use crisis system
transformation. Recovery Innovations delivers innovative crisis services, recovery programs, and
specialized consulting across the United States and internationally BPD will also publish human
trafficking infographics to their social media accounts so that citizens can spot the signs of
human trafficking and submit tips to BPD. BPD will continuously engage individuals willing to
share their experience of surviving human trafficking to improve BPD’s efforts.
3. Project Design and Implementation
a. Membership, Leadership, and Structure
BPD does not currently have an AHHTF, but if awarded, the AHHTF would report to the Special
Enforcement Division Lieutenant. The AHHTF will have a Coordinator/Director, who will be
one of the sworn Detectives hired under this grant. The Coordinator/Director will be the
Detective who has more experience regarding human trafficking investigations. The AHHTF will
consist of two sworn detectives and one civilian Intelligence Analyst. Together, they will work

collaboratively with BPD’s existing Victim Services Unit to ensure that victims receive access to
the appropriate services to promote healing and safety. The Victim Services Unit currently
provides and will continue to provide victims with resources and referrals to service providers.
Some of the service providers include: the Southwest Advocacy Center, Community Bridges,
Inc., and Recovery Innovations. The designated prosecution entity is the Maricopa County
Attorney’s Office. Law enforcement partners currently include the Cities of Avondale and
Goodyear, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department, but additional neighboring law
enforcement agencies may be added as needed. Below, please find the proposed personnel
structure chart.

b. Task Force Coordinator/Director Information
The AHHTF Coordinator/Director will be one of the sworn Detectives hired under this grant and
will be the Detective who has more experience regarding human trafficking investigations. This
Coordinator/Director will manage all task force activities, including regular collaborative efforts

with neighboring law enforcement agencies and victim service providers. The
Coordinator/Director will work with BPD’s existing Victims Services Unit to ensure Victims
receive the proper referrals to service providers.
c. Services to be Provided
Services provided to victims include the distribution of informational handouts and referrals to
service providers who can extensively address the victim’s need for healing and safety. Referrals
may include, but are not limited to: the Victim Assistance Unit, Buckeye Municipal Court,
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Division, Attorney General’s Office of
Victim Services, Southwest Advocacy Center, Crisis Intervention groups, Community Bridges,
Inc., Recovery Innovations, etc.
d. Current Procedures
BPD currently has procedures for victim and witness assistance. A few of the procedures
mentioned in the policy include:
-
“The Support Services Division Supervisor shall ensure that victim information handouts
are available and current.”
-
“When appropriate, the Public Information Officer shall inform the media and public of
the department’s victim and witness assistance program.”
-
“The department shall maintain relationships with outside victim service providers to
ensure consistency and appropriateness of victim and witness efforts and to be kept
informed of the activities of other agencies in similar endeavors in the area.”
To view the complete list of current procedures, please refer to the copy of this policy that has
been uploaded to the JustGrants application.

e. Victim Confidentiality
BPD currently has a policy pertaining to victim confidentiality and victim advocate
confidentiality. According to the policy, “Victim Advocates will hold communication with crime
victims confidential, except when related to compensation and restitution. Records, notes,
documents, correspondence, and reports that contain opinions, theories, or other information
made while advising, counseling, or assisting the victim will not be disclosed without written
consent from the victim. Communication is not considered privileged if the Victim Advocate
knows the victim will give or has given perjured testimony or if the communication contains
exculpatory material.” Within section 336.8 I. C. of the policy, “Department employees shall
ensure the confidentiality of records and files of victims and witnesses and their role in case
development to the extent consistent with applicable statutes and department policies.” A copy of
this policy has been uploaded to the JustGrants application.
f. Plans for Training
g. Other Related Grant-Funded Efforts
4. Capabilities and Competencies
a. Expertise to Conduct Anti-Human Trafficking Activities
b. Identification of Key Individuals and Organizations
The Buckeye Police Department (BPD) intends to hire two sworn detectives and one civilian
Intelligence Analyst who are subject matter experts in the field of human trafficking, including
labor and sex trafficking. The Detectives and Intelligence Analyst will research, investigate,
analyze, enforce, and prosecute cases of human trafficking against individuals. BPD currently
partners, and will continue to partner, with Community Bridges, Inc., a nonprofit Integrated

Behavioral Health Provider located in Avondale, Arizona. BPD has been in partnership with
Community Bridges, Inc. since 2011, with increased collaboration in recent years.
BPD also has a collaborative partnership with Recovery Innovations, which provides immediate
and ongoing behavioral health support for all individuals on a voluntary and involuntary basis.
This partnership with Recovery Innovations will continue for the foreseeable future. The
aforementioned partnerships with Community Bridges, Inc. and Recovery Innovations serve as
victim services providers.
In addition to partnerships, BPD has an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Avondale,
City of Goodyear, and Maricopa County to participate in the West Valley Sex Trafficking Task
Force. The mission of the Task Force is to locate, rescue, and identify victims of adult and child
sex trafficking by conducting undercover investigations and operations, while also apprehending
offenders and providing resources to victims. Collaborative efforts among the agencies include
ongoing investigative operations, acquisition of the proper equipment, and necessary training.
The Task Force also works to suppress sex buying operations and assists other agencies with the
suppression of sex and human trafficking.
Lastly, BPD has an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Avondale, City of Goodyear,
and Maricopa County to provide integrated services to families and children through the
Southwest Advocacy Center located in Avondale, Arizona. This agreement consists of a multi-
disciplinary team approach for the assessment, investigation, protection, prevention, referral,
treatment, and prosecution of matters related to the physical and sexual abuse of adults and
children, including domestic violence matters.
The aforementioned partnerships and intergovernmental agreements are currently active and will
remain active for the foreseeable future. Each organization will be actively involved in the

proposed project with the shared goal of combating human trafficking, cartel operations,
domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault.
c. Expertise of Lead Organization and Partners
POLICE DETECTIVE
The police detective plans and executes investigative strategies and approaches primarily related
to major criminal investigations, including cybercrimes against individuals, sexual assaults,
domestic violence, and human trafficking. The police detective presents educational materials
and information through community and school awareness projects, and counsels citizens on law
enforcement activities, programs, and referral resources.
CIVILIAN INTELLIGENCE ANALYST
The Civilian Intelligence Analyst gathers, analyzes, and evaluates information derived from
various sources, such as surveillance, geographic information systems, intelligence networks,
and law enforcement databases. The Civilian Intelligence Analyst utilizes intelligence data to
prevent, anticipate, and identify organized crime activities, including human trafficking
activities. The Civilian Intelligence Analyst also identifies crime patterns or trends to aid in the
prevention of crime and the apprehension of perpetrators. The Civilian Intelligence Analyst
locates missing persons and runaways in an effort to interdict human trafficking and prevent
runaways from becoming victims of human trafficking. This position will utilize the Buckeye
Police Department’s Real-Time Information Center.
VICTIM ADVOCATE
Buckeye maintains a Neighborhood Services Manager position. Under general supervision of the
Neighborhood Services Manager, the existing BPD victim advocate supports the daily and
special operations of the Victim Assistance Program. Responsibilities include crisis intervention,

victim advocacy, and support services to victims of crime. Incumbents coordinate and work with
internal and external law enforcement personnel, criminal prosecutors, and external
agencies/entities during the execution of providing necessary services to victims of crimes that
occur within the City of Buckeye.
SOUTHWEST ADVOCACY CENTER
The Southwest Advocacy Center (SWFAC) is located in Buckeye’s neighboring city of
Goodyear, Arizona. SWFAC is a family and child-focused facility where law enforcement,
prosecution, medical, mental health, child protection, and victim advocacy personnel work
collaboratively in the treatment, investigation, prosecution, and management of domestic
violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and child abuse cases. SWFAC ensures that victims are
treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire recovery and investigative process.
SWFAC also conducts forensic medical exams and interviews in a safe and friendly
environment. Assisting victims and their families through advocacy services and therapy is
another service that SWFAC provides.
RECOVERY INNOVATIONS
Recovery Innovations is a global leader in mental health and substance use crisis system
transformation. Recovery Innovations delivers innovative crisis services, recovery programs, and
specialized consulting across the United States and internationally. Since 1990, Recovery
Innovations has provided expert consulting to numerous state and local governments and health
jurisdictions, helping design and implement effective crisis and substance use care models
tailored to local needs. The organization operates more than 50 programs in seven states, while
its consulting division partners with governments, health systems, and organizations worldwide.
Recovery Innovations’ renowned training academy has certified more than 20,000 peer support

specialists globally and provides comprehensive crisis system workforce development. Joint
Commission accredited since 1992, Recovery Innovations continues to “set the standard for
recovery-oriented, peer-delivered, and crisis care excellence.”
COMMUNITY BRIDGES, INC.
“Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) uses a holistic—or integrated—approach to addiction treatment
and behavioral health concerns. We take each person’s unique traits and issues into account to
design a treatment plan. Using a combination of education, therapy, housing, medications, peer
support, inspiration, hope, and other supportive services, our solutions are never one-size-fits-all.
People are unique, and their treatment plan should be too.
CBI’s passionate and dedicated team of medical and behavioral health professionals share a
common philosophy to attend to the needs of our communities. With a mission of maintaining
the dignity of human life, we can’t help but be agents of positive change in our communities.
Many of our employees are peers, and they have been in your shoes. Peers are the heart of CBI,
and they know exactly what it takes to help you discover the road to recovery. They provide
daily assistance, hope, education, and support to people through treatment. Most importantly,
peers give our patients the individual care they need at the time they need it.”
d. Experience Managing Federal Grants