Child Abuse
The New York State Police Special Victims Unit (SVU) provides the following services:
- Prevents, investigates and prosecutes crimes against children.
- Supports State Police personnel and any law enforcement/social welfare agencies that request assistance with child abuse, neglect, exploitation or domestic violence cases.
- Serves as a contact point for inquiries from the law enforcement community.
- Serves as the lead agency in the NYS AMBER Alert Program
Investigative Support
SVU provides investigative support in a variety of ways, including assistance with forensic interviews and case consultations/reviews. The Unit maintains forensic information files on child abuse and related topics, and makes referrals to a variety of professional specialists in the fields of child abuse and sex offenses.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a crime. According to the United States Department of Justice, it is the second largest international criminal industry, second only to the drug trade. Any person, regardless of race, sexuality, gender, ethnicity, or immigration status may be a victim of this crime.
Victims who are trafficked are forced to work against their will in commercial sex, massage parlors, escort services, erotic dancing establishments, pornography, and sweatshops/factories. Labor trafficking often exists in industries such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, hotels, restaurants, but may be found in any industry. Some victims are forced, tricked, or coerced into marriage; others into begging and peddling. Human trafficking victims often suffer physical and psychological abuse at the hands of their traffickers, resulting in health problems, mental illness, and addiction. The need for assistance and treatment among victims is great.
The Division of State Police continues to collaborate with DCJS to train sworn law enforcement personnel statewide on the Human Trafficking Laws. Members of the State Police have been assigned to multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Forces and participate on Anti-Trafficking committees. The New York State Police’s Special Victims Unit also works with the Office of Child and Family Services to better document and track Child Sex Trafficking.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please contact your local police department or dial 911.
Anyone who suspects they may be a victim or a witness to human trafficking is encouraged to call the Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888, which will help with locating resources within your community. You can also text “HELP” to 233733 (BeFree).
Hate Crimes Task Force
The Hate Crimes Task Force was created by Governor Cuomo in 2018 to address the increase in bias-motivated threats, harassment and violence throughout New York State.
Run by the State Police with the assistance of the State Division of Human Rights, and the Division of Criminal Justice Services, the Task Force works together to prevent, investigate, and monitor Hate Crimes and violations of Human Rights Law.
Residents who have experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or discrimination are encouraged to call the free hotline: 1-888-392-3644. Or text "HATE" to 81336.
You can also file a complaint online.
Click the link below to learn more about the Hate Crimes Task Force.