Oklahoma Attorney General (AG) Gentner Drummond and 41 attorneys general are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to require stronger law enforcement cooperation from the next operator of the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
In a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the coalition said timely sharing of trafficking tips is critical. It warned the current operator, Polaris, has delayed or withheld third-party tips involving adult victims.
“Law enforcement must be able to rely on the hotline for swift reports that can lead to arrests and rescues,” Drummond said.
The attorneys general cited ongoing concerns that Polaris has failed to meet expectations set by Congress and the states. In response to previous pressure, HHS pledged to include stronger coordination requirements in future contracts. Applications for a new hotline operator are due May 30.
The AGs emphasized the importance of public tips and urged HHS to select an operator committed to working with local law enforcement.
Attorneys general from 40 other states and territories also signed the letter.