MN Human Trafficking Task Force
Greetings –
Established in 2006 by Minnesota Statutes §299A.79, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has
been responsible for convening a Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force to inform the DPS
commissioner on needed information, resources and policies related to human trafficking. The Task
Force has met quarterly since 2006 and has grown from an original group of 22 members to over 80
members. During this time, the Task Force has successfully brought together stakeholders from
across the state to address human trafficking. Specifically, the Statewide Human Trafficking Task
force has been instrumental in enacting strong legislation over the past few years to give law
enforcement and prosecutors clearer guidance and stronger tools for addressing the problem of
human trafficking.
The legislation that established the Task Force in 2006 required that the Task Force sunset in 2011.
Members decided to continue with the work of the Task Force. The Minnesota Department of
Health (MDH) will now be responsible for convening and facilitating future meetings, and will act as
the primary contact for the Task Force. The Task Force will continue to address training, networking,
policy development and prevention activities or efforts. The Task Force will work with law
enforcement and prosecutors to fully utilize the strong laws that have already been enacted.
Minnesota continues to be a leader amongst states in addressing human trafficking, with a strong
statutory scheme, strong interdisciplinary coalition, statewide commitment, and momentum. The
legislation passed last year brings us into compliance with the William Wilberforce Trafficking
Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and positions us well for federal funding opportunities.
Thank you for your past and continued support of the Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. If
you need any additional information about the Task Force or wish to be involved, please contact:
Amy Kenzie
Program Coordinator, Sexual Violence Prevention Program
Injury and Violence Prevention Unit
Minnesota Department of Health
PO Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882
Phone: 651-201-5410, FAX: 651/201-5800
e-mail: [email protected]
Sexual Violence Prevention Program: www.health.state.mn.us/svp
Sexual Violence Prevention Network: www.health.state.mn.us/svp/svpn