Date of Award

5-5-2025

Degree Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ)

Department

Criminology and Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Dr. Mark Foxall

Abstract

Human trafficking has been a persistent societal problem with significant costs for states, the nation, and across the world. Victims struggle to recognize that they have endured having been trafficked and society lacks the awareness and understanding that is necessary to help. While many organizations have implemented programs aimed at helping victims escape and recover, victims often remain unaware of what resources are available.

Advancements in technology may allow victims a bridge to connecting with services and could offer assistance to law enforcement and prosecutors who are working to hold trafficking offenders accountable. Many younger victims today feel comfortable using technology and the use of AI could help to build trust and rapport which could be transferred to advocates.

Research indicates victims often do not know about local resources. Research also indicates youth victims are more likely to report their traffickers than other members of society. Since most victims of trafficking have access to phones, developing a mobile application to connect them to services and anonymously report offenders may help victims receive help sooner. This app may allow law enforcement and prosecutors to hold offenders accountable.

From writing grant proposals to the launch of the app it is expected to take approximately 2 years. Regular monitoring and analysis of data collected by the app will be necessary. The overall cost of this project is expected to be between $877,977-$1,421,834 for both development and the first fiscal year after launch. Funding should come from grants and donations.

Quantitative analysis of referrals and prosecutions will determine the success of the app. This project is limited to youth victims in the Omaha area, but it is recommended this pilot program be expanded geographically and demographically. If successful, this app could offer a solution to help victims, educate society, and sentence offenders.

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