Volunteer Investigator Program

Delta Team.

search for empower rescue survivors.

If you want to be on the front-lines fighting human trafficking, you can become a volunteer investigator supporting our national teams.

The Exodus Road primarily supports police in evidence gathering for cases of human trafficking. Working with teams of nationals, we deploy trained and highly vetted Western investigators to help identify victims, gather intelligence, build evidence packages for police, and support operations. We call this team DELTA Team.

DELTA Team deploys multiple times a year to Southeast Asia or Latin America, and the volunteers cover their own expenses (which they can do via fundraising). Each volunteer must first pass an intense vetting process, must be at least 30 years of age, and must be willing to travel for a 14-day period.

While the process and work is both challenging and daunting, it is also highly effective. Evidence is gathered, cases are delivered, and rescues and arrests are empowered on the front lines.

Apply to Delta Team.

Applications to DELTA Team are not currently being accepted.

Delta Team deploys volunteers multiple times a year around the world. Candidates must be 30 years of age or older and must be willing to travel 14-17 days a year. Volunteers *must* participate in at least one deployment a year and must cover their own expenses either through fundraising or by directly funding their involvement.

Have questions?  Please review our FAQ.

Who can be a part of DELTA Team?

Men and women over the age of 30 years old are permitted to apply. Past investigative experience is not necessary, but we often have police officers or members of the military apply. We have also had business owners, teachers, lawyers, and even a race car driver join the Delta Team. It is open for all to join, but the vetting process is extensive.

What does the vetting process involve?

The vetting process is highly difficult. Applicants must first submit an application, then undergo multiple background checks and psychological evaluations. If those are passed, then he/she is invited to an interview where a full day of in-person evaluations and testing is conducted. Typically only about 30% of those that apply are accepted into the program.

Would I get training? I've never done investigative work into sex trafficking before.

You do not have to have past investigative experience to be accepted onto DELTA team. We are looking for healthy individuals with strong integrity, mental grit, and interpersonal skills. We train extensively for every deployment on how to collect evidence, operate gear, and conduct intelligence gathering.

Is it dangerous?

It can be, but we work hard to mitigate risk. The Exodus Road operates with strict guidelines and protocols for all investigative work. All investigators work on teams and with specific cases or missions as directed by our team leads. The Exodus Road also only operates with permission from local trusted police partners. Personal safety is obviously a very high concern, however, the places where trafficking occurs are dangerous ones. To date, we have never had physical violence take place with any staff or volunteer.

What is the commitment in time and money?

If you are accepted as a DELTA Team member, the expense for a deployment is around $4500. This covers airfare, lodging, and investigative expenses for a two-week deployment. DELTA members who serve on the team consistently are invited to do shorter deployments in smaller teams with specific cases, and those expenses can be covered by The Exodus Road. However, a standard deployment that takes place multiple times a year is expected to be fully covered by the investigator. We do have fundraising resources in place for those who would like to fundraise to cover these expenses.

If you are accepted, you will be placed on our DELTA roster. These men and women are notified of deployment dates and are expected to make at least one deployment each year in order to remain active on the team.

Is it difficult?

Absolutely. Our DELTA investigators are some of the most courageous, most committed individuals in The Exodus Road community. They sacrifice greatly to volunteer in this way. They give much to support our national field teams and police partners — and ultimately to those caught in human trafficking.

What's a deployment really like?

Deployments typically take place in Southeast Asia or Latin America. They usually involve between 6 to 10 investigators, working alongside our Delta Team Director, The Exodus Road leadership, and national staff. If you’d like to read a bit more about what an investigative experience may involve, you can read this article about a DELTA deployment.