SAN DIEGO, CA. — Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) joined Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl today to present $1.5 million in State funding to the City of San Diego to combat human trafficking.
SDPD’s Vice Unit works alongside the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force to address human trafficking and sexual exploitation occurring in the City of San Diego and throughout the region.
“This billion-dollar illegal industry hurts families and deeply affects trafficking victims. The Office of the Attorney General reports that young girls and women make up 99.4% of sex trafficking victims. There are no words for how terrible this crime is. It takes away women’s basic rights,” said Assemblymember Boerner. “These state funds can save lives and help survivors get the support they need to rebuild.”
The investment will be used to support undercover operations, equipment for investigators, and a safe and comfortable space to use when talking to potential human trafficking victims. SDPD was awarded similar state funding in 2023 and will continue building on their efforts with the new funding.
“Human trafficking has no place in San Diego, and we are committed to protecting victims and holding those responsible accountable. Last year, I co-sponsored AB 379 to strengthen protections for trafficking victims and give law enforcement more tools to hold offenders accountable. This $1.5 million investment builds on that work by strengthening our Police Department's ability to identify victims, support survivors and bring traffickers to justice. I thank Assemblymember Tasha Boerner for securing this critical funding and partnering with us to make San Diego safer,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
In January, Assembly Bill 379, supported by Assemblymember Boerner, went into effect, increasing penalties for soliciting minors for sex and establishing grant programs for human trafficking survivors. It also created a new misdemeanor offense for public loitering with the intent to purchase commercial sex. Since January, SDPD has made a concerted effort to leverage the new law to target the buyers of commercial sex and has made 105 arrests for the offense.
"Thanks to Assemblymember Boerner, this $1.5 million state investment boosts our efforts of dismantling human trafficking and targeting illegal sex work across San Diego,” Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “Building on the proven success of our teams, these financial resources will fund larger operations and advanced tools for our detectives. Most importantly, it allows us to create a safe, dedicated space for victims to feel supported when coming forward."
You can watch the livestream here.
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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown San Diego. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X.