Florida Conference Aims to Improve Human Trafficking Training in Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss critical strategies aimed at enhancing local responses to human trafficking. A key focus of the meeting was the upcoming conference designed to address gaps in knowledge and training among law enforcement and court actors in the county.

One of the primary objectives of the conference is to gather feedback from participants about their training needs. This initiative aims to ensure that local law enforcement and judicial personnel are better equipped to identify and respond to human trafficking cases. The conference will not duplicate existing training provided by the Florida Alliance Against Human Trafficking but will instead focus on identifying specific areas where additional training is necessary.

Dr. Waggers, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized that the conference is tailored specifically for Hillsborough County, highlighting the county's innovative approach to tackling human trafficking. The goal is to develop a model that could potentially be replicated across the state if successful. This localized focus aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including law enforcement, state attorneys, and public defenders, to create a more effective response system.

The meeting also touched on the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. While the group acknowledged a recent collaborative lab that assessed these aspects, they have yet to fully integrate its findings into the conference planning.

As Hillsborough County continues to take proactive steps in addressing human trafficking, the upcoming conference represents a significant opportunity for local actors to enhance their skills and improve community safety. The outcomes of this initiative could set a precedent for other counties in Florida, showcasing the importance of tailored training and collaboration in combating this pressing issue.