Special Victims Unit
The Special Victims Unit (SVU) operates within the Division of Drug and Crime Control, the criminal investigative branch of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and supports the Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of a broad range of computer-related crimes and human trafficking investigations. The Special Victims Unit was formed in 2024 and is a combination of two former units of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, formally called the Digital Forensics Investigative Unit and the Human Trafficking Unit.
The Special Victims Unit (SVU) works closely with a number of agencies in the fight against online crime and child exploitation, including the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). The unit is partially funded through grants provided by the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Cyber Crime Grant (SCCG) and Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).
The Special Victims Unit (SVU) also investigates instances of possible human trafficking in Missouri and provides expertise and investigative assistance on human trafficking, sexual exploitation and child sex crime investigations to various agencies throughout Missouri. The Special Victims Unit is responsible for coordinating the various IPC and Human Trafficking trainings in Missouri for members of the Patrol and other law enforcement agencies.
The Special Victims Unit (SVU) is staffed with six full-time members and task force officers from the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT). Several part-time officers from various troops are assigned to assist. These officers are cross-trained in mobile device forensics and online investigations and are specially equipped to assist the SVU.
Click here for information on what human trafficking is, recognizing human trafficking, and what to do if you suspect human trafficking.
Assistance
For investigative support, contact your local DDCC.
For lab support, see the Missouri Digital Forensic Center.