In response to concerns raised by the St. John’s Status of Women Counsel regarding Operation Northern Spotlight, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary would like to provide some clarification.

Operation Northern Spotlight was inspired by an FBI initiative dubbed Operation Cross Country that was created to help combat the domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. Operation Northern Spotlight is a national and collaborative operation that involves police agencies at municipal, provincial and federal levels working jointly to identify potential victims of human sex trafficking and to raise awareness of sexual exploitation. All Canadian provinces participate in this operation.

Undercover officers make contact with women and men on social media sites commonly used in the “escort” sex trade industry and arrange to meet at hotel rooms. These individuals are not arrested or detained and are immediately told that it is a police operation. All individuals are treated with the utmost respect and are advised that they are able to leave at any time.  The intention of this tactic is to identify cases of human trafficking and sexual exploitation by interviewing those involved directly in the sex trade industry away from individuals who may be controlling them. A great amount of intelligence has been gathered about those who are sexually exploiting individuals which is then forwarded nationally to the RCMP.

Individuals who officers have spoken with are typically very receptive to this operation as they realize that the intention is not to criminalize their work, but rather to make sure that they are safe. Furthermore, the RNC and RCMP in our jurisdiction worked with representatives from the local advocacy groups to provide sex trade workers with information on resources available to them if they are wishing to exit the industry. We understand that many in the industry are not there because they want to, but rather as a byproduct of addictions or mental health. Officers additionally provide individuals with personal care and hygiene supplies.

Both the RNC and the RCMP have conducted this joint force operation in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2015 with positive results. Information that has been gathered through this operation has enabled police to focus resources on those who are exploiting women and men as well as those who are involved in human trafficking.

Officers who are directly involved in this operation are committed and invested professionals who are extremely sensitive and understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by those involved in the sex trade industry. Many of these officers have, over the years, developed a large degree of trust with those who are involved in the sex trade industry and formed trusting and productive working relationships.

We are committed to continuing to work closely with our community partners for the purpose of addressing the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation that exist within our province. We believe many community support and resource groups provide a valuable service to vulnerable members of our community. Operation Northern Spotlight serves to achieve a common goal which is to ensure the safety of sex workers and protect vulnerable persons and children.

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Cst. Geoffrey G. Higdon #819
Media Relations / Social Media Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
1 Fort Townshend, St. John’s, NL, A1C-2G2
Twitter: @RNC_PoliceNL
Facebook: RoyalNewfoundlandConstabulary
709-729-8658