The Huntsville Police Department’s STRIKE Unit has made nearly 100 arrests in human trafficking and internet crimes against children cases in the first year of its existence.

The unit also handled approximately 180 internet crimes against children cases among its six investigators. Electronic Storage Detection K-9 Goose has located 50 electronic devices to assist investigators in their work, the department said this week in an evaluation of the progress of the unit.

“Before we started looking into these cases, I don’t think we fully understood the scope of the problem,” Huntsville Police Officer Chad Schrader said. “These crimes are happening in our communities, and we have to be willing to look for them and do something about them.”

That work is reflected in a recent human trafficking investigation known as Operation Meteor Strike, the department said. The investigation began Aug. 9 after STRIKE received information about a possible victim of labor trafficking.

Over the course of 17 days, investigators developed evidence indicating the victim had been brought to Huntsville to work and was compelled to continue working to repay a debt. On Aug. 27, investigators executed six search warrants and arrested three individuals in connection with the case. The investigation remains active as officers continue processing evidence, conducting interviews and pursuing additional leads. Additional arrests or charges are possible.

“Creating this unit gave us the ability to focus on these crimes and pursue them proactively,” Huntsville Police Officer Chase Baker said. “We want to identify victims, follow the evidence and hold the people responsible accountable.”

As STRIKE enters its second year, the unit will continue investigating human trafficking and internet crimes against children while adapting to evolving investigative challenges and strengthening partnerships with agencies that help bring these cases forward, the department said.

Huntsville Police Officer Zefen Riggins said the unit is hoping to grow and go full-time “because this isn’t just a Huntsville problem.”

“It’s a statewide, national and global issue,” Riggins said. “Addressing it takes awareness, cooperation and a willingness to act when something doesn’t seem right.”

The police department encourages parents and caregivers to remain engaged in children’s online activities and to maintain open conversations about online safety, recognizing that awareness and early reporting can play an important role in protecting children from exploitation.

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