Executive Summary
- The New Castle County Police Department launched a human trafficking hotline on Jan. 28, 2026.
- The hotline serves victims needing assistance and witnesses reporting suspected incidents.
- Coverage includes New Castle County, the state of Delaware, and surrounding areas.
NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. – The New Castle County Police Department has formally established a dedicated hotline aimed at combating human trafficking and providing immediate resources for victims. The initiative was announced on January 28, 2026, coinciding with the conclusion of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
According to a news release issued by the agency, the new hotline is designed to serve "anyone in need of assistance or wishing to report a suspected incident." Police officials clarified that the operational scope of the resource is broad, covering New Castle County, the entire state of Delaware, and surrounding jurisdictions. The initiative seeks to increase community awareness and provide a safe avenue for reporting potential exploitation.
Public Safety Impact
The launch of a specialized hotline represents a strategic enhancement in how local law enforcement gathers intelligence on trafficking networks. By centralizing reports and victim requests, the New Castle County Police Department aims to streamline response times and improve inter-agency coordination across Delaware. This proactive measure underscores the necessity of community involvement in identifying the often-hidden signs of human trafficking.
