Tucson is my home. Like so many others, I cherish this community and want to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who calls it home. Sadly, our community is facing a grave threat: the scourge of sex trafficking.

Sex trafficking is not just a distant problem that occurs in other places; it is happening right here in Tucson and affecting the lives of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. The National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 300 calls related to possible human trafficking cases in Arizona in 2021, highlighting the severity of this issue in our state.

The Tucson Police Department is on the front lines of combatting this crisis, but they need more support to effectively tackle this complex and dangerous trade. Currently, the department's resources are stretched thin, lacking the necessary funding for specialized training and advanced tools that are crucial in identifying and assisting victims while prosecuting offenders.

Increasing funding for the Tucson Police Department would directly support efforts to modernize investigative techniques, offer more comprehensive support for survivors, enhance interagency coordination, and provide extensive education and outreach programs about the dangers and signs of trafficking.

We must take a stand and invest in the safety of our community. By equipping law enforcement with the right resources and training, we can reduce the incidence of trafficking and protect potential victims from this horrific crime.

I urge the local government and community leaders to increase funding for the Tucson Police Department’s resources and training specifically to combat and reduce sex trafficking. Let's make Tucson a beacon of safety and support for all its residents.

Please join me in calling for necessary changes by signing this petition today. Together, we have the power to make Tucson a safer place for everyone.