THE WEEKLY BRIEF

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A practical, research‑based guide for residents, parents, and community members who want to make Little Falls a harder place for traffickers to operate — and a safer place for everyone.

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By Mayasonette Lambkiss
Regional Director, USIDHR – Minnesota, and Founder, Camp Justice

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For Community Adults, Parents, and Local Civic Members

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Little Falls is not powerless. Traffickers look for communities that are distracted, disconnected, or inconsistent in their response — and Little Falls is none of those things. By strengthening visibility, coordination, survivor support, and public awareness, residents can create an environment that feels alert, informed, and high‑risk for anyone attempting exploitation. These ten strategies are grounded in national models, Minnesota’s prevention framework, and proven deterrence principles.

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1. Visible enforcement deters traffickers

Traffickers avoid jurisdictions where law enforcement is clearly active, coordinated, and present in public spaces. When Little Falls maintains a visible prevention footprint — through patrols, community briefings, and consistent messaging — it signals that the community is alert and unwilling to ignore suspicious behavior. Visibility alone increases perceived risk for traffickers, making the area less attractive for exploitation.

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2. Consistent prosecution increases risk for offenders

The Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) has demonstrated that traffickers leave counties where prosecution is predictable and persistent. When investigators, prosecutors, and local agencies work together to close loopholes and pursue cases thoroughly, traffickers recognize that the likelihood of arrest and conviction is high. Little Falls can strengthen deterrence by supporting consistent case follow‑through and reinforcing a reputation for zero tolerance.

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3. HTI’s targeted training strengthens local justice systems

HTI’s model includes specialized training for prosecutors and investigators, equipping them with the tools needed to identify patterns, build strong cases, and respond quickly to emerging threats. By adopting similar training opportunities, Little Falls can enhance its capacity to detect trafficking activity early and respond with precision. A well‑trained justice system is one of the strongest deterrents available.

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4. TIPMAP® data identifies high‑risk zones

Traffickers often exploit areas with weak oversight or limited community awareness. TIPMAP®, HTI’s data‑driven mapping tool, identifies hotspots and patterns that help direct enforcement resources where they are most needed. Little Falls can use similar data‑informed strategies to monitor vulnerable areas, strengthen surveillance, and ensure that traffickers cannot operate unnoticed.

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5. Survivor support reduces traffickers’ ability to manipulate victims

Minnesota’s statewide prevention network shows that traffickers avoid counties where survivors have strong support systems. When survivors can access services, legal protections, and advocates, traffickers lose their ability to isolate, intimidate, or control them. Little Falls can reinforce this deterrent by ensuring survivors are connected to the Regional Navigator and by promoting trauma‑informed community resources.

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6. The Regional Navigator system ensures coordinated response

The Regional Navigator (Lutheran Social Services, Northwest MN) provides a centralized point of coordination for survivor services, law enforcement, and community partners. When Little Falls strengthens this partnership, traffickers encounter a unified response network rather than isolated agencies. Coordination increases the likelihood of detection and intervention, making the county a high‑risk environment for traffickers.

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7. Safe Harbor protections disrupt traffickers’ legal strategies

Minnesota’s Safe Harbor law treats trafficked youth as victims, not offenders. This eliminates a key tactic traffickers rely on: using fear of arrest to control young victims. By promoting Safe Harbor awareness locally, Little Falls reinforces a legal environment where traffickers cannot hide behind outdated assumptions or manipulate youth into silence.

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8. Multilingual outreach increases reporting

Traffickers often target individuals who face language barriers or lack access to culturally relevant information. When Little Falls distributes prevention materials in multiple languages — through libraries, community centers, and public spaces — it expands the number of people who can recognize warning signs and seek help. Increased reporting disrupts traffickers’ ability to operate quietly.

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9. The Day One Hotline provides immediate access to help

The Day One Crisis Hotline (1‑866‑223‑1111) connects survivors and concerned community members to immediate assistance. Promoting this hotline throughout Little Falls — on flyers, QR codes, and public postings — ensures that help is always one call away. Traffickers avoid counties where victims can quickly access support and where community members know exactly where to report concerns.

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10. Public visibility signals that the community is alert

Flyers, QR codes, library postings, and short safety briefings create a prevention presence that traffickers cannot ignore. These materials communicate that Little Falls is informed, coordinated, and actively watching for early warning signs. Public visibility is not symbolic — it is strategic. It tells traffickers that this community is not passive, not silent, and not an easy target.

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Prepared by Mayasonette Lambkiss

Regional Director, USIDHR – Minnesota
Founder, Camp Justice