Lubbock Police Amplify Awareness After Successful Human Trafficking Operations

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – In January, Lubbock police, along with several partner agencies, successfully conducted six operations targeting human trafficking, underscoring the ongoing struggle against this pervasive crime.

Belinda House, a member of the Lubbock Police Department’s Crime Suppression and Vice Units, emphasized that human trafficking can manifest in various forms, not limited to a single environment. “They can be from a massage parlor, they can be from ads that are posted on websites known for prostitution ads, or we also have street walkers that are out there,” House explained.

Spencer Hilliard, another unit member, highlighted the need for parental involvement in their children’s social media interactions. He urged parents to educate their kids about online safety, as traffickers often target vulnerable individuals. “These guys are professionals at what they do. They use a variety of recruiting strategies, and I encourage parents to be involved because they are going to target those who are not as emotionally developed and may have experienced abuse at home,” said Hilliard.

House noted that trafficking does not occur overnight. Instead, traffickers often develop relationships with their victims, making them more susceptible to manipulation. “The pimp will groom the girls, show them love, buy them things, and tell them it will be better here than at home. These girls leave their homes thinking they are getting a better life when, in fact, they are not,” House said.

From the January operations, investigators opened four new cases related to human trafficking. House remains committed to the work, stating, “If we can save one female through an operation and get her back on track in life, then it will be worth it, because no little girl wakes up and says, ‘This is what I want to do when I grow up.’ No one dreams of this kind of life.”

Lubbock residents who suspect human trafficking are encouraged to report it. Local organizations are available to offer assistance, further supporting the community’s fight against this crime.