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When farmworkers and advocates see trafficking but law enforcement does not: challenges in identifying labor trafficking in North Carolina

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Abstract

This article reports on the perceptions and experiences with labor trafficking of farmworkers, stakeholders, and law enforcement representatives in North Carolina. We found a sizeable number of farmworkers who had experienced labor trafficking violations, albeit with a convenience sample; and community agencies reported stories of labor trafficking victimization. However, most of the state and local law enforcement agencies that we attempted to contact simply ignored our requests for information about labor trafficking or reported no evidence of such victimization. Notwithstanding the sample limitations, we found a general lack of awareness of agricultural labor trafficking problems among law enforcement officials in our surveyed jurisdictions. We question whether our current law enforcement system will ever be in a position to effectively enforce the anti-labor-trafficking law; and suggest an alternative specialized mechanism be established.

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Notes

  1. This is the introductory script for both voicemails and emails: “I am a criminologist at RTI International in Research Triangle Park and I am working on a research project funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) related to human trafficking. Specifically, this project considers migrant labor and the movement of migrant laborers into our areas. I would like to set up an appointment with you to talk about your observations and experiences in ______ County. I am happy to travel to your office or, if you prefer, a short telephone call would probably be sufficient. This is an especially important initiative for NIJ and I want to make sure that local law enforcement is included. Please let me know when you might be available and I will adjust my schedule to meet yours.” The messages included both an office call back number and a personal cell number.

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Acknowledgments

RTI International is an independent organization dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition.

This project was sponsored by Grant Number 2009-IJ-CX-0047, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, NC, 27709-2194, USA

    Kelle Barrick, Pamela K. Lattimore & Wayne J. Pitts

  2. Department of Sociology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4423, USA

    Sheldon X. Zhang

Authors
  1. Kelle Barrick
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  2. Pamela K. Lattimore
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  3. Wayne J. Pitts
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  4. Sheldon X. Zhang
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Correspondence to Kelle Barrick.

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Barrick, K., Lattimore, P.K., Pitts, W.J. et al. When farmworkers and advocates see trafficking but law enforcement does not: challenges in identifying labor trafficking in North Carolina. Crime Law Soc Change 61, 205–214 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-013-9509-z

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