The New York City Police Department has announced a strong commitment to addressing prostitution during the World Cup, as reported this week.
According to Lt. Gary Marcus, who leads the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit, plans include increased patrols in areas known for prostitution, such as Penn Station, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and hotels in Times Square.
This announcement came just a day after the tournament kicked off, with a total of 104 games being held across North America until the final on July 19, including eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
NYPD teams are also set to monitor high-traffic areas for commercial sex, like East New York’s Penn Truck in Brooklyn, along with Roosevelt Avenue in Corona and Jackson Heights in Queens. As Marcus noted, major events often lead to a spike in demand for such services, which sex traffickers are quick to exploit.
The department is also reaching out to hospitality workers and healthcare providers who may encounter potential victims of human trafficking in their day-to-day roles.
“It isn’t like what you might see in a film,” Marcus explained. “So we’re equipping them to recognize the signs and know how to assist when they spot a victim.”
Indicators might include individuals not dressed for the weather, having visible untreated injuries, or showing hesitance to answer simple questions.
Kathleen Baer, the NYPD’s deputy director focused on gender-based violence, mentioned that the department is collaborating with various aid organizations to support trafficking victims and partner with local prosecutors to press charges against offenders.
“History shows that big events, like those organized by FIFA, tend to lead to increased demand for exploitation,” Baer added, referencing her experience leading anti-trafficking efforts as a prosecutor in Brooklyn.
She emphasized that the department will be actively involved, working closely with advocates and district attorneys to ensure adequate support during rescue operations.
The range of trafficking victims is diverse, with some being local to Brooklyn and others arriving from places as far away as South America. Baer shared a poignant example of victims whose documents are seized, leaving them without money or resources.
This situation often complicates matters, as victims may feel threatened by their handlers or fearful of legal repercussions, making it hard for organizations to reach out.
Additionally, there’s a general distrust of law enforcement among many trafficking victims, making rescues quite challenging. Baer recounted a particularly disturbing case involving an 11-year-old girl, reinforcing the need for community awareness and support.
“We need the public’s help to identify these situations,” she asserted. Just one tip can truly change a life for the better, Marcus added.
Individuals can report tips anonymously to the NYPD Human Trafficking Hotline at 646-610-7272 or the NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). For Spanish speakers, the hotline is 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
