Audit finds some human trafficking awareness information out of date

Washington’s efforts to raise awareness of human trafficking have become outdated in some instances, but agencies generally follow the law, a new performance audit found. 

Human trafficking – using force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into any form of work – occurs in Washington state but is often not recognized. The Office of the Washington State Auditor reviewed the efforts of five state agencies tasked with raising awareness around the issue. The audit also sought leading practices and experiences in other states to help Washington improve these efforts. 

“As a state, we must ensure our laws and materials are current and effective,” said State Auditor Pat McCarthy. “By better coordinating activities across the full range of involved public agencies, we can boost the chances that the ugly crime of human trafficking is exposed, and its survivors offered the help they need.”  

Notably, auditors found the telephone number for a victim helpline is still listed in current trafficking awareness materials and cited in state law, despite being disconnected two years ago. In another example, the Department of Commerce has yet to update its model awareness poster that businesses could post in their restrooms, a decade after its creation.    

In other areas, state agencies met their legal requirements and in some cases went beyond them. The Department of Transportation, for example, not only placed more than 400 signs in rest areas across the state, but went further, displaying digital signs on ferries and in terminals.  

The audit also identified many practices Washington should consider, including amending state laws, that will support efforts to improve awareness of human trafficking, particularly around labor trafficking. For example, auditors noted that Washington could strengthen state laws around mandatory signage in public places, including restrooms and transportation facilities. In addition, the state could widen its training efforts to include additional school employees, health and mental health professionals, and people working in hospitality.   

Auditors made recommendations to the Washington State Task Force Against the Trafficking of Persons to align state laws with leading practices, and to Commerce to address outdated information.  

The full report, including the audited agencies’ response to the findings, can be found on the State Auditor’s Office website: Assessing Washington State-Level Human Trafficking Awareness Efforts

Media inquiries: Assistant Director of Communications Adam Wilson, Adam.Wilson@sao.wa.gov, 564-999-0799.