Flaco Guapo Media
Story, photos by permission from Conexión San Ángelo

SAN ANGELO – San Angelo Police Department Public Information Officer, Tracy Gonzalez, in her presentation on Human Trafficking at Thursday, January 24th Concho Valley Republican Women’s meeting, asked the question, “What do you think Human Trafficking is?

After several responses from the attendees, Officer Gonzalez stated, “U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts; or labor services, or any type of service against their will.”

Gonzalez a 13-year veteran of the SAPD, discussed this important issue that had too many layers to be able to do justice to the subject in 30 minutes. But she covered as much ground as she could within her allotted time on this subject that while it makes many people uncomfortable, it needs to be addressed, for which she made no apologies.



One particular area involved four major types of trafficking which included: adult sex trafficking, adult labor trafficking, child sex trafficking (under the age of 18-years-old) and child labor trafficking. “If you are passionate about human trafficking and you want to make a difference, you have to take this as a victim’s approach.”

Gonzalez wanted the attendees to take away from her presentation that human trafficking isn’t someone else’s problem. Or some other City’s problem, or some other family’s issue. “We as citizens have a responsibility to eradicate this from every community, let’s work together” And the first step starts with being educated and made aware, concluded Gonzalez.

The CVRW’s luncheon meeting is held every fourth Thursday of the month from 11:30-1:00 at the River View Restaurant 800 W. Ave D.