Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Paul Herbert

Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Paul Herbert

Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Paul Herbert today received a national award from the U.S. Department of Justice in recognition of his efforts in combating the human trafficking cycle. He’s the only judge across the nation receiving the Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services.

“I’m extremely honored to receive this award,” Judge Herbert said. “I give all the credit to the awesome judges of the Franklin County Municipal Court, our staff, and the brave women of the CATCH Court program.”

U.S. Attorney Carter Stewart of the Southern District of Ohio nominated Judge Herbert for the award because of his involvement with CATCH Court – Changing Actions to Change Habits. Judge Herbert started the program about six years ago as a way to help prostitutes struggling with drug addiction break the cycle of abuse. The women and men make their way back into society with the help of meetings with Judge Herbert. Once the candidates meet certain requirements and graduate from the two-year program, their records are expunged.

“It gives me a great sense of joy to discover them and to find the right treatment plan for them to succeed,” Judge Herbert said.

Recognizing that prostitutes who come before his court are victims, not defendants, Judge Herbert said he takes a “trauma informed approach” when presiding over human trafficking cases. He said his mannerisms as a judge change when he speaks and reacts at these proceedings.

Judge Herbert said the cases have opened his eyes to the thousands of human trafficking victims in Columbus.

“CATCH Court has radically changed the way I think,” Judge Herbert said, “to realize that we as a society have mislabeled prostitution when in reality it is the most misunderstood criminal enterprise in America.”

“Human trafficking is now coming to the forefront of the American conscience,” he added. “And, law enforcement and the court system is where most of the victims can be found and helped. Judges can have a profound impact on the restoration of women trapped in this vicious life and save untold tax dollars by stopping the traditional revolving door of recidivism. With human trafficking courts in Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and other cities considering the issue, Ohio is the most progressive state in America right now tackling this social epidemic.”

Founded in 2001, the Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services recognizes a program, organization, or individual who has helped victims’ rights and services. It’s given in memory of Susan Laurence, a U.S. Department of Justice employee who helped professionals effectively serve victims.