Date of Conferral

10-20-2026

Date of Award

October 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Joseph McMillan

Abstract

Although human trafficking has been extensively studied, comparative research focused on Puerto Rico, Southeast Texas, and Southeast Florida remains limited. This qualitative exploratory comparative study involved examining facilitators and barriers to human trafficking investigations in these regions by analyzing experiences and perspectives of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and service providers who are directly involved in these investigations. The study is grounded in the bureaucratic organization theory, which emphasizes organizational coordination, specialized expertise, and administrative structures in complex investigations while also recognizing regional conditions and resource availability. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants, each with at least one year of professional experience investigating or supporting human trafficking cases. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, including first-cycle coding, second-cycle categorization, and theme development. Themes were multiagency collaboration, technology and specialized training, victim identification and language barriers, and regional factors influencing trafficking patterns. Findings indicated while common facilitators and barriers exist across jurisdictions, regional organizational contexts shape investigative practices. Recommendations include enhancing multiagency collaboration, continuing specialized training, supporting victim-centered investigative practices, and expanding future comparative research. These findings may contribute to positive social impact by informing professional practice, organizational planning, and future research in jurisdictions with similar organizational and regional characteristics.

Download

Included in

Criminology Commons

Share

 
COinS