Tackling Human Trafficking Networks in Peru: Integrating Local Identification and Institutional Capacity Building

We aim to test whether strengthening institutional capacity at different stages of the anti-trafficking response improves prosecution outcomes and the identification and referral of victims. Our interventions target key constraints in the system, including limited prosecutorial capacity, weak inter-agency coordination, and gaps in early-stage victim identification.

2026-06-01

2027-11-01

Primary outcomes for our project capture improvements in prosecutorial performance and early-stage identification and referral of trafficking victims.
Prosecutorial Outcomes (TRACK4TIP Component)
- Conviction
- Case Resolution Time
- Appeal and Review Outcomes

Identification and Referral Outcomes (Serenazgo Component)
- Trafficking cases identified per officer
- Referral Completion Rate

Primary outcomes for our project capture improvements in prosecutorial performance and early-stage identification and referral of trafficking victims.
Prosecutorial Outcomes (TRACK4TIP Component)
- Conviction: We measure whether a trafficking case results in a guilty verdict using administrative records from the Public Ministry. This is coded as a binary indicator at the case level. In this way, we capture whether training improves the effectiveness of prosecution in securing convictions.
- Case Resolution Time: We measure the number of months between case filing and final judicial resolution using administrative records. In this way, we assess whether trained prosecutors process cases more efficiently.
- Appeal and Review Outcomes: We measure (i) whether a trafficking case is escalated to a higher judicial body (e.g., Constitutional Court), and (ii) whether the original judicial decision is upheld among reviewed cases, using judicial administrative records. In this way, we capture whether training improves the robustness of prosecutorial work.
Identification and Referral Outcomes (Serenazgo Component)
- Trafficking cases identified per officer: We measure the number of potential trafficking cases formally documented and identified by Serenazgo officers, using primary survey data and municipal administrative records (subject to availability). This is normalized by the number of active officers in each district. In this way, we capture whether training improves early-stage identification of trafficking cases.
- Referral Completion Rate: We measure the proportion of identified victims who are successfully referred to and accepted by formal institutions (e.g., police, Public Ministry, or social services). In this way, we capture whether training improves the effectiveness of referral pathways and access to services.

The secondary outcomes capture mechanisms through which the interventions may affect prosecutorial performance and victim identification, including sentencing decisions, prosecutorial practices, inter-agency coordination, and knowledge.
- Sentence Length
- Trafficking Charge Severity
- Person-Centered Practices Index
- Prosecutor Knowledge Score:
- Referral Quality (False Positive Rate.
- Officer Knowledge Score:
- Officer attitudes and views towards trafficking:

The secondary outcomes capture mechanisms through which the interventions may affect prosecutorial performance and victim identification, including sentencing decisions, prosecutorial practices, inter-agency coordination, and knowledge.
- Sentence Length: We measure the length of prison sentences (in years), conditional on conviction, using judicial administrative records. In this way, we assess whether training affects the severity of sentencing decisions in trafficking cases.
- Trafficking Charge Severity: We measure whether cases are prosecuted under trafficking-specific statutes rather than related but less severe charges. This allows us to assess whether training improves legal classification and case-building quality.
- Person-Centered Practices Index: We construct an index based on natural language processing of judicial sentence texts, capturing the use of victim-sensitive language, protective-oriented reasoning, and reliance on victim testimony. In this way, we assess whether training changes how prosecutors frame and handle trafficking cases.
- Prosecutor Knowledge Score: We measure prosecutors’ knowledge of trafficking law, protocols, and inter-agency procedures using a standardized assessment. In this way, we assess whether training improves technical capacity and understanding.
- Referral Quality (False Positive Rate): We measure the proportion of referrals that do not correspond to actual trafficking cases using linked administrative records. In this way, we assess whether training improves the accuracy of victim identification.
- Officer Knowledge Score: We measure officers’ knowledge of trafficking indicators and referral procedures using a standardized assessment. This allows us to assess whether training improves their ability to identify and respond to trafficking situations.
- Officer attitudes and views towards trafficking: Composite index from officer survey
measuring attitudes toward trafficking crimes, violence, and victims. Standardized using control group mean and SD.

The experimental component of this study evaluates a training program for municipal security officers (Serenazgos) using a cluster-randomized controlled trial. We first implement a pilot study in 10 districts to assess feasibility and estimate preliminary effects. We then scale to a cluster-randomized controlled trial in 20 districts. Randomization will be conducted at the district level and stratified by baseline trafficking prevalence. Outcomes are measured at the officer and district levels using administrative records and survey data, with follow-up conducted 12 months after the intervention.

Not available

Randomization done by a computer

District (Municipalities)

Yes

20

400

See Pre-Analysis Plan