Survey Research

Developed in 2007, the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS) collects information on alleged human trafficking from local and state law enforcement agencies (Motivans, 2007-2008). Since its inception, the HTRS has collected data on suspects, victims, and incident characteristics from thirty-eight human trafficking task forces, mostly funded by the US Department of Justice (Motivans, 2007-2008). The collected information may include victim data, such as demographics, while suspect data may include information on the arrest, sentencing, and adjudication. This paper discusses the research data, questions, and hypotheses developed regarding HTRS. The paper will describe the survey research and data collection relevant to the topic. Lastly, the pros and cons and the most useful survey approach will be discussed in relation to the research process and topic.

Summary of the Data Tables

The HTRS usually acquires information from suspects and victims of human trafficking. The collected data may include the victim’s demographics, such as age and gender, and the suspect data might include information on the arrest, sentencing, and demographics (Motivans, 2007-2008). Human trafficking is considered a severe crime in the criminal justice system since it can affect anyone and be done anywhere (Bonilla & Mo, 2018). I consider the topic essential since it is a significant issue in my state. The HTRS data plays a critical role in the human trafficking system since the collected information can help or provide investigators with the essential information for correcting the problem in the criminal justice system. The collected information includes the reports of human trafficking incidents between 2007 and 2008 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009). Of the 1229 reported human trafficking incidents, 83% were related to sex trafficking, 12% to labor trafficking, and the remaining 5% related to other forms of human trafficking.

Questions and Hypothesis

The selected research question for the topic was the prevalence of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a prevalent issue in the US and globally. According to the United Nations, there are up to 30 million modern-day enslaved individuals worldwide (DiRienzo, 2020). The UN’s figure is an estimate since human trafficking is often underreported, and human trafficking is a prevalent issue in the US. Accordingly, based on the collected information, I conclude that the issue of human trafficking is prevalent and should be a cause of concern to the criminal justice system. The selected hypothesis for the topic is that minors are more likely than adults to be victims of human trafficking. In the United States, 27% of human trafficking victims are children, meaning that most of the human trafficking victims are adults (DiRienzo, 2020). Therefore, this would mean that I would reject my hypothesis and conclude that minors are not more likely to be human trafficking victims than adults. Nevertheless, human trafficking still affects both adults and children.

Survey Research and Data Collection Relating to HTRS

Survey research usually refers to the process through which research is done by using surveys. The data collected through the survey is examined statistically to obtain significant results. The HTRS acquires data based on human trafficking incidents, including victim or witness statements, arrests, incidents, prosecution, or detention. Once the data is collected, it is evaluated to determine if the incident is related to human trafficking. The HTRS is the only available system for tracking information related to human trafficking at the local and state law enforcement agencies in the US. Understanding the various data collection survey methods and their effectiveness is essential.

Data Collection Survey Method

A survey method is a process through which individuals are questioned on a particular topic or issue. Survey methods usually have two key purposes: testing the hypothesis of the nature of a topic within a group or defining specific characteristics or qualities of the same group. Some common survey methods include in-person, mail, and telephone interviews (Glastonbury & MacKean, 2020). The survey method used in collecting data for the HTRS is the in-person interview. Law enforcement agencies usually collect the data when investigating incidents by conducting personal interviews with the suspects or witnesses. Data collection may also continue once the suspect has been arrested or incarcerated. The HTRS uses the collected data to determine the factors associated with human trafficking.

Pros and Cons of the Method

One of the main advantages of in-person surveys is that they enable the researcher to ask comprehensive questions rather than simple yes or no questions. As a result, the researcher can acquire as much information as they need regarding a particular topic. Additionally, since in-person surveys usually entail personal contact between the researcher and the respondent, there is usually a higher response rate during in-person surveys than other survey methods (Glastonbury & MacKean, 2020). Lastly, since in-person surveys mean that the researcher is face-to-face with the interviewee, misunderstandings, and confusion are often reduced. However, it is essential to note that in-person surveys can also present some disadvantages. One of these issues is that the researcher may sometimes have a biased opinion as they head toward the interview. In cases where the interviewer is biased, the victim or suspect may be forced to provide information that aligns with what the researcher wants to hear rather than the truth. Another key disadvantage of in-person surveys is that they are time-consuming and are limited to only one setting.

References

Bonilla, T., & Mo, C. H. (2018). The evolution of human trafficking messaging in the United States and its effect on public opinion. Journal of Public Policy, 39(2), 201–234. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0143814x18000107

Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2009). Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS). Bureau of Justice Statistics. https://bjs.ojp.gov/data-collection/human-trafficking-reporting-system-htrs#methodology-0

DiRienzo, C. E. (2020). Human Trafficking: What the New IOM Dataset Reveals. Journal of Human Trafficking, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322705.2020.1808383

Glastonbury, B., & MacKean, J. (2020). Survey Methods. Handbook for Research Students in the Social Sciences, 225–247. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003070993-22

Motivans, M. (2007-2008). Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS). Bureau of Justice Statistics. Retrieved 8 October 2022, from https://bjs.ojp.gov/data-collection/human-trafficking-reporting-system-htrs.

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Question

Use this link: Motivans, Mark (2007-2008). . , (), . https://bjs.ojp.gov/data-collection/human-trafficking-reporting-system-htrs

Identify the research data tables, questions, and hypotheses developed. Summarize the data tables.

Survey Research

Describe survey research and data collection as they relate to your selected criminal justice research topic.
Identify a data collection survey method (e.g., in-person, telephone, electronic, or focus group) for your selected topic.
Discuss the pros and cons of the method utilized in relationship to the topic and research process.

850 words