The WATCH Act, also known as Bill 118 s 2397, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.
The WATCH Act proposes several key provisions to achieve this goal. Firstly, it calls for the establishment of a National Child Exploitation Data Center within the Department of Justice. This center would serve as a centralized hub for collecting and analyzing data related to child exploitation cases, enabling law enforcement agencies to more effectively track and prosecute offenders.
Additionally, the WATCH Act seeks to improve coordination and communication among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies by requiring the Department of Justice to develop a national strategy to combat human trafficking and child exploitation. This strategy would include guidelines for sharing information and resources, as well as training programs for law enforcement personnel.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to enhance penalties for individuals convicted of child exploitation offenses, as well as measures to provide support and services to victims of trafficking and exploitation.
Overall, the WATCH Act aims to strengthen the government's response to human trafficking and child exploitation by improving data collection, coordination among law enforcement agencies, and support for victims. If passed, this legislation could have a significant impact on efforts to combat these heinous crimes in the United States.