A proposed task force aimed at combating child exploitation and human trafficking is gaining traction in Johnson County, Texas. During a recent meeting of the Johnson Special Commissioner's Court, officials discussed the urgent need for a dedicated team to tackle these pressing issues, which have seen a significant rise in recent years.

Commissioner Good highlighted the alarming increase in group homes housing multiple sex offenders, often located near schools and child safety zones. He emphasized the necessity of a specialized task force, akin to the existing STOP task force that addresses drug-related crimes. "Imagine where the county would be right now if we didn't have the STOP task force," he stated, advocating for a similar approach to combat crimes against children.

The proposed task force would consist of law enforcement officers from various agencies, equipped with specialized training to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of child exploitation and trafficking. The plan includes a budget proposal for the upcoming year to support this initiative, which aims to address the growing number of cyber tips related to child exploitation—an issue that has become increasingly prevalent.

Currently, Johnson County has approximately 800 registered sex offenders, with a significant number residing in unincorporated areas, raising concerns about the safety of children in those communities. The discussion also touched on the disparity in protections available to children living in city limits compared to those in the county, with calls for legislative changes to enhance safety measures.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed a commitment to moving forward with the task force proposal, aiming to create a safer environment for children in Johnson County. The anticipated budget request will be a crucial step in establishing this much-needed initiative, reflecting a proactive approach to a growing crisis.