Harnessing Publicly Available Information to Combat Human Trafficking
Guardian Group
Harnessing the Power of Many Until All Are Free from Sex Trafficking in the US
In the relentless fight against human trafficking, timely and accurate information is paramount. One crucial tool aiding law enforcement agencies nationwide is Guardian Group’s Publicly Available Information Report (PAIR). These reports leverage Publicly Available Information (PAI) to identify potential victims of trafficking, offering invaluable information that bolsters law enforcement’s investigative efforts.
The Hidden Crisis in Online Ads
Every day, approximately 150,000 new escort ads are posted online across America. Among them are advertisements for children and individuals being forced to sell their bodies against their will. Many law enforcement agencies lack the time, manpower, or specialized training to sift through these ads to identify victims. Guardian Group exists to solve this problem.
Understanding PAIR Reports
PAIR reports are meticulously compiled documents generated by Guardian Group analysts. These reports contain identified individuals and valuable account information that can help law enforcement determine if force, fraud, or coercion is present—key indicators of human trafficking.
Utilizing Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Guardian Group analyzes publicly available information, such as social media accounts, court records, and news reports, to compile PAIR reports. These reports save officers an average of 4–8 hours of research, enabling them to take swift action through legal means like search warrants and subpoenas.
Importantly, PAIR reports are provided to law enforcement agencies at no cost.
The Impact of PAIR Reports in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Enhancing Investigative Capabilities
PAIR reports provide law enforcement with vital information that might not be immediately apparent. By pinpointing potential victims and their online profiles, these reports serve as detailed tippers, allowing agencies to focus resources more effectively and intervene sooner.
Optimizing Resources
Human trafficking investigations require significant time and personnel. PAIR reports streamline this process by presenting a victim’s online presence in a clear, actionable format, enabling agencies to allocate resources more efficiently.
Strengthening Collaboration
Distributed statewide, PAIR reports facilitate cross-jurisdictional cooperation, helping agencies share information and build a unified front against trafficking networks that often operate beyond local or state boundaries.
Enabling Proactive Action
By identifying potential trafficking victims early, PAIR reports help law enforcement to act quickly rather than reactively. This proactive approach is especially crucial for agencies with limited resources.
Real-World Impact
The effectiveness of PAIR reports is undeniable. Guardian Group has identified over 1,000 victims across 34 states through these reports, all provided to law enforcement free of charge.
Each PAIR report is more than just data—it represents a real person. Behind every report is a young woman coerced into selling herself online, a runaway deceived by false promises, or a teenager groomed by someone they trusted. These reports are lifelines, providing law enforcement with the critical information needed to locate and assist potential victims, giving them a chance at freedom and a future beyond trafficking.
How You Can Support PAIR Reports
Fighting human trafficking is a collective effort, and you can play a vital role in ensuring PAIR reports continue to aid law enforcement.
1. Volunteer with Project 1591
If you have an analytical or research background—or simply want to test your OSINT skills—you can volunteer with Project 1591. Volunteers help generate PAIR reports by identifying potential victims online and submitting their findings via the Project 1591 platform.
2. Fund PAIR Reports through Team 1591
If online research isn’t your strength, you can still make a difference by joining Team 1591 as a monthly donor. The Team 1591 community funds Guardian Group analysts who dedicate their time to identifying victims and assisting law enforcement. Just $15.91 per month can make a life-changing impact.
A Tactical Advantage in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
By utilizing Publicly Available Information, PAIR reports provide law enforcement with a critical tool to recover victims and disrupt trafficking networks nationwide. Supporting these reports means supporting the fight for freedom and justice for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
Active U.S. law enforcement officers interested in receiving PAIR reports for their state can sign up here.
Polyglot Investigator and Published Translator - I find things out | Investigative and research services | Professional translations from French, Arabic, Spanish to English | Author of "Children of the Province," 2024
1 周I understand that Project 1591 is carried out primarily through volunteers (I intend to apply). Is the goal to eventually establish a permanent, full-time, funded Intel hub?