Examining Investigator Strategies for Questioning Suspected Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking

Law enforcement’s ability to obtain accurate and complete disclosures from trafficked minors is crucial for the identification of victims and prosecution of perpetrators. Yet, little is known about how this population is questioned by investigators. The purpose of this study was to assess the techniques and approaches investigators endorse to question suspected minor sex trafficking victims who vary in age and cooperativeness. Individuals across the USA with experience investigating sex trafficking cases were recruited to complete an online survey about their experiences and perceptions related to interviewing suspected minor trafficking victims. Participants ( N = 189) were asked to read four hypothetical scenarios that described suspected sex trafficking victims of varying ages (13 vs. 17) and cooperativeness (high vs. low) and to select the interviewing techniques they would employ. Interviewing techniques were categorized into witness-focused, suspect-focused, and a mix of victim/suspect techniques. A mixed-model ANOVA was conducted to determine if investigators varied their endorsement of techniques based on victim age and cooperativeness. Investigators recognized and changed their techniques based on victim age. However, this was primarily the case when victims were cooperative. When victims were in the low cooperativeness condition, investigators reported they would use similar techniques with the 13- and 17-year-old victims. Our findings provide insight into how investigators approach suspected victims of varying ages and cooperativeness. More research is needed on how techniques used to question suspected victims with these and other characteristics actually impact disclosures and disclosure reluctance.