FBI and local law enforcement agencies join forces to form new task force

CLEVELAND - The rise in human trafficking cases that the FBI investigates has more than doubled since 2000. The numbers climbed from just 51 in 2000, to 146 in 2005.

That's why the FBI has formed a new task force that will deal with the growing problem.

"It constitutes the Cleveland Police Department, the FBI and the Sheriff's Department.  What we are doing is targeting juvenile prostitution and forced adult prostitution," Special Agent Timothy Kolonick said.

The task force will target prostitution on the street and on the Internet. 

But to do that the task force needs the help of first responders. That's the reason for a seminar held recently at Hillcrest Hospital. The FBI taught first responders and health care workers about identifying victims of human trafficking and what to do when they suspect someone is a victim.