SHOWCASE : HEAT UNIT
The Arlington Police Department , in partnership with the Homeland Security Investigations North Texas Trafficking Task Force , Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force , and North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force , created a new unit in 2023 called the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit ( HEAT ). HEAT consists of one sergeant , four detectives , and a Digital Forensics Examiner .
The goal of this dedicated six-member group is to investigate , dismantle , and disrupt activity involving Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation . The unit ' s mission is to protect the most vulnerable and arrest predatory suspects .
HEAT focuses on three components : Proactive investigations , reactive investigations , and community education and awareness of human trafficking and child exploitation . In 2023 , HEAT participated in 29 proactive operations , issued 72 arrest warrants and 174 search warrants , and filed 132 cases with the Tarrant County District Attorney ' s Office . Additionally , HEAT presented 34 different human trafficking education and awareness presentations to community members , schools , professionals , and faith-based organizations .
HEAT is an industry-leading unit that focuses on approaching these difficult investigations through a multidisciplinary approach and always ensuring they do anything and everything for the victim . HEAT has built a strong relationship with various human trafficking advocacy groups to ensure they continue the positive victim impact upon recovery . HEAT Detectives had significant success testifying in court during 2023 , ensuring the suspects are held accountable for these heinous acts and ensuring the victims are receiving the closure necessary to continue their path to healing . One case to highlight was a sex trafficking case in which detectives built a federal case against the suspect who was sex trafficking four juvenile victims and one adult victim . Ultimately , the suspect was charged and convicted to 12 life sentences for violations of federal law concerning human trafficking .
16 | 2023 Annual Report