The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) has launched the nation’s first Human Trafficking Liaison Officer Model, a new approach designed to strengthen how first responders identify and report suspected human trafficking.
The model updates internal protocols and reporting procedures, giving firefighters and emergency medical personnel clearer pathways to flag suspicious activity encountered during routine calls for service. As community-based first responders who regularly enter homes, businesses, and public spaces, ACFD personnel are often among the first professionals to observe indicators of exploitation.
ACFD has paired the new liaison role with enhanced training focused on recognizing the signs of human trafficking and understanding how to document and relay concerns appropriately to partner agencies. The department says the goal is to improve coordination, increase awareness, and ensure potential cases are identified earlier…