1. Extra Credit: Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: Technology and Project Management
Michael Punzo
Texas Tech University
INTS 2310 -001

2. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: Technology and Project Management
Working in today’s society we find multiple complex problems. None so disturbing as
domestic sex trafficking among minors. When the Community Needs Assessment Committee
(CNAC) met for the first time in 2011 there were multiple backgrounds that came together to
discuss this problem. Members of the group began to concentrate on certain groups to gather
information among these groups were local law enforcement, state and federal, legal, medical,
community members, mental health professionals, and political groups.
Certainly one can see that management of such a vast varied group would take developed
skills in Project Management. A Project Manager is needed to oversee such a huge task. For
every background there are multiple different personalities and thoughts on how to eliminate this
problem. Being able to use an interdisciplinary approach results in a team of like-minded
individuals.
In Stage 1 providing research training and development of a Domestic Minor Sex
Trafficking (DMST) program is one of the necessary tools needed. A Project Manager can keep
and direct focus each of the team members to gather such information that is necessary for said
program. Another tool needed in Stage 1 is providing education for the various backgrounds
working on the team (local law enforcement, state and federal, legal, medical, community
members, mental health professionals, and political groups). In my project management class I
was able to develop a plan that took my team from early development to completed project. It
certainly comes with bumps in the road but a focused project manager can usually finish the task.
A Project Manager (PM) in this case is not just a boss, but also a liaison between the various
members. In this situation the Project Manager can direct the focus for the various research and
training that is needed to develop an overall program. Even though the article does not state that

3. a Project Manager of some sort was not used, one can realize the value of a project manager in a
task this overwhelming.
In Stage 4 the Voice of Hope purposed that maintaining the program and even expanding
the program would be necessary for attempting to eliminate sex trafficking among minors. These
two opportunities certainly would fall in my area of expertise in Information Technology (IT).
Whether we like it or not, technology (internet, social media, smart phone, tablets and mobile
applications) is in every facet of our lives. We must use our intelligence hand-in-hand with
technology to encompass the global initiative.
Being able to use my skills to combat this growing problem is a way of turning
something that is being used for illegal activity and then using it for the global good of mankind.
Information Technology is not limited to one facet, but rather multiple facets of this problem.
Being in the IT world one can collaborate with the different fields of expertise. We can improve
this collaboration by identifying those who prey upon the weak. This gives us an edge to combat
sex trafficking using multiple platforms. The enormous volume of data that is available to
predators must be harnessed [collected] in a database that is made available to the global first
responder network [Interpol]. After the data is collected the first responder network (Polaris,
state, federal, and global police agencies) can then sift through the information, analyze the
important and immediate needs and take action. As shown in the article being able to red flag
certain information can notify authorities when necessary. With information technologies sex
trafficking can be monitored possibly eradicated.
Technology-facilitated trafficking is far more diffuse than initially thought, it has spread
across multiple online sites and digital platforms. Mobile devices and networks play an
increasingly important role that can potentially transform the trafficking landscape. Technology

4. is rapidly growing and technology in its most innocent form is good, but it can be used for evil.
What happens when the weapon (technology) used for the elimination of crime is the same
weapon used against people’s safety? Something that is developed (built) for good is often
exploited which can result in depraved actions. The Internet has become both the hunting ground
and the marketplace for human sex trafficking.
We have to find ways to combat these abusers and sex traffickers of children and others
that are hiding behind encrypted networks. It is key that cyber security and social media work
together in finding a solution.
In modern times the term cybercrime is an umbrella term for heinous crimes or actions
done through and over the Internet. Sex trafficking knows no boundaries and the Internet has
made it easier for traffickers to hide and do business anonymously. Bit Coin is the new online
currency and is virtually untraceable. This makes sex trafficking through the use of the Internet
much more readily available. Smartphones are the new phenomenon and the police have to play
catch-up and learn this new technology in order to stay up with today’s cyber criminal. A few
years ago the majority of crimes were being committed via desktop computers. However, in
today’s society just about every crime that is committed, there seems to be a cellphone tied to the
crime. The rapid advancement of technology is perhaps the answer for combating the criminal
element that uses technology for sex trafficking.