Full Notification

Operation Cross Country is a national enforcement action that is coordinated through the Innocence Lost National Initiative, which is a partnership between the FBI, local law enforcement partners and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and multiple local and state law enforcement participated in the operation from July 24th through July 28th in several Bay Area cities and counties, running a total of 17 local operations.

Last week the Oakland Police Department participated in, “Operation Cross Country.” Chief Whent said, “The issue of human trafficking is a tragedy that should not be allowed to exist in our society. The sexual exploitation of children is one of the most appalling crimes committed against our most vulnerable victims. The Oakland Police Department is dedicated to fighting this issue through prevention, enforcement, community education and partnerships.”

Mayor Jean Quan said, “Oakland has been a pioneer in taking on this often hidden issue. We developed some of the first support groups for sexually exploited minors under Measure Y. Deputy Mayor Sandre Swanson, a former state assemblyman, wrote some of the state’s strongest legislation to increase punishments for people who exploit minors. Our communities have worked to close down motels involved in the trafficking and send Dear John letters to motorists who frequent areas of child prostitution. ”

As part of our ongoing effort to identify victims and arrest criminal offenders of human sex trafficking and child exploitation the Oakland Police Department rescued a 16-year-old teen last Saturday.

On July 27, 2013 at 11:16 AM, Oakland Police Sergeant Angelica Mendoza and her team of officers responded to a report of a sexual assault of a 16-year-old teen. During the preliminary investigation officers were able to identify, locate and arrest the victims pimp in connection with human sex trafficking and child exploitation.

OPD's Human Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit, led by Sergeant Hamann Nguyen and team, continue to rescue victims and arrest criminal offenders through their ongoing efforts to reduce sex trafficking and child exploitation.

OPD TIP LINE for Child Exploitation Unit is (510) 637-0298.

To learn more about Operation Cross Country and the Innocence Lost
National Initiative, visit www.fbi.gov, www.justice.gov, or www.ncmec.org.

Crime Stoppers of Oakland at 510-777-8572 or the TIP LINE at 777-2805.

Nixle Tip Watch allows tipsters to send OPD a tip three ways:

1. Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your cell phone

2. Call our toll-free tip hotline at 855-TIPS-247 (855-847-7247)

3. Respond to OPD's Nixle messages

For more information, please contact the Media Relations Office at 510-238-7230 or [email protected] or Visit Nixle.com to receive Oakland Police Department alerts, advisories and community messages, or follow OPD on Twitter, @oaklandpoliceca.

Johnna Watson
Public Information Officer
Oakland Police Department
(510) 238-7230

"The mission of the Oakland Police Department is to provide the people of Oakland an environment where they can live, work, play and thrive free from crime and the fear of crime."