Who we are

Texas, particularly the Houston area, is internationally recognized as a major hub for human trafficking. As such, it is critical that law enforcement agencies possess a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of human trafficking and vice operations—with an emphasis on both knowledge and officer safety.

We are TCOLE-certified instructors specializing in training undercover officers and investigators in human trafficking and related vice crimes. Undercover operations are inherently high-risk, and when not conducted properly, can expose departments to serious legal and reputational consequences. Missteps in these operations can lead to case dismissals, liability issues, and potential litigation. Our training is designed to mitigate these risks by focusing on best practices in undercover work involving prostitution, gambling, adult entertainment venues, and massage parlors.

In addition to our specialized courses, we also teach TCOLE courses BPOC 3270 (Law Enforcement's Role in Combating Trafficking) and 3271 (Advanced Human Trafficking). We also offer educational sessions for community organizations and citizen groups seeking to better understand the realities of human trafficking.

Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience in Texas law enforcement, with extensive backgrounds in investigative and supervisory roles. Whether you're a law enforcement agency seeking advanced TCOLE-certified training, or a community group in need of trafficking education, we are here to serve and support your mission.

Sergeant Ambuehl grew up in Alief, Houston, TX, and graduated from Alief Hastings High School in 1990. He attended the University of Houston and the University of Houston–Downtown, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1997.

Sgt. Ambuehl joined the Houston Police Department (HPD) in February 1998 and is currently in his 27th year of law enforcement. He holds the title of Master Peace Officer and is a certified TCOLE Instructor. Throughout his career, he has worked in multiple divisions, including Westside, Northwest, and South Gessner Patrol, as well as the Northwest Tactical Unit, Field Training, the HPD Police Academy, and Dispatch. He has served as a Field Trainer, Cadet Trainer, and Sergeant Field Trainer.

In April 2014, Sgt. Ambuehl transferred to the Vice Division, where he served as a Night Shift General Vice Sergeant until October 2020. He currently serves as the HPD Vice Division’s Training and Special Projects Sergeant.

As an undercover investigative sergeant in Vice, he has conducted numerous operations targeting illegal gambling, liquor and tobacco violations, illicit clubs, brothels, prostitution, and human trafficking. He has overseen a variety of Vice investigations, including in-call and out-call prostitution, street- and web-based decoy reversals, and street prostitution cases. Additionally, he has investigated massage parlors, spas, game rooms, and human trafficking operations.

Sgt. Ambuehl also runs the Tobacco Enforcement Program for the HPD Vice Division, utilizing minors in sting operations to enforce the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 161. He has conducted thousands of minor decoy operations across the county.

He is a member of the International Association of Undercover Officers and the National Technical Investigators Association (NATIA).

In addition to his investigative work, Sgt. Ambuehl serves as the coordinator for the division’s covert surveillance equipment, overseeing the selection, testing, purchasing, and training of undercover officers in the use of specialized technology.

He has attended extensive training in various aspects of undercover operations, including:

  • Law Enforcement Training Associates (UC Supervisor)

  • International Association of Undercover Officers National Conferences

  • Narcotics Survival School

  • Advanced Narcotics UC/Low Light/Active Shooter Training

  • Vice Investigator School

  • Open Source Intelligence Techniques

  • Cell Phone and Social Media Fourth Amendment Courses

  • Electronic and Technical Surveillance

  • Cellebrite and Cayllo Systems

  • Video Surveillance Techniques

  • Numerous other specialized law enforcement courses

Sgt. Ambuehl is also an experienced instructor. He teaches multiple human trafficking courses, including:

  • Cadet Intro to Human Trafficking (3270)

  • Advanced Human Trafficking (3271)

  • HPD Human Trafficking Mandatory Course (2017/2025)

  • Vice Investigator School

  • Vice Rolling Surveillance

Additionally, he developed the Male Vice UC School, Vice Quarterly Scenario Training, and Memorial Hermann NOTA – Human Trafficking Training. He also trains investigators in street, hotel, and web-based operations for undercover vice and demand suppression efforts.

Sergeant Robert Ambuehl

Founder

Meet Our Instructors

Our instructors are well experienced law enforcement officers still working in an undercover capacity in Vice and Human Trafficking.


  • Instructor / Investigative Officer

    Born on an Army base in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1976, Justin was raised in a military family as his father was enlisted in the U.S. Army at the time. After his father’s discharge, the family lived in Fort Stockton, Texas, for several years before relocating to his mother’s hometown of La Marque, Texas. In 1994, he graduated from La Marque High School and soon after enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1994 to 1998.

    During his time in the Marine Corps, Justin was assigned to the Infantry, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines. He was deployed once to the Mediterranean Sea and later served at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he held the rank of Sergeant and worked as a Shooting Instructor for cadets. In November 1998, he received an Honorable Discharge and returned home to Texas.

    On March 4, 2000, Justin joined the Houston Police Department as a Patrol Officer in Southeast Houston, where he quickly became known for his proactive approach to law enforcement. After seven years in patrol, he transferred to the Vice Division in 2007. Since then, he has conducted thousands of undercover investigations involving street-level prostitution, illicit clubs, massage parlors, human trafficking, money laundering, organized crime, and internet crimes against children.

    As a Vice Detective and Trainer, Justin is responsible for training new officers entering the Vice Division and providing specialized instruction to Houston Police Department personnel, City of Houston civilian employees, and other law enforcement agencies. He currently serves as a Detective with the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) for the Southern District of Texas.

    Throughout his tenure in the Vice Division, Justin has received numerous awards and commendations for his exceptional work in human trafficking investigations. His recognitions include the 100 Club of Houston Police Officer of the Year, Proactive Investigator of the Month, Investigator of the Month, multiple Unit Citations, Chief of Police Commendations, and several Citizen Commendations.


  • Instructor / Investigative Officer

    Detective Smith was born in Magnolia, Texas, into a family with a strong background in law enforcement. She attended St. Pius X High School in Houston, graduating in 2013, before enrolling at Texas A&M University. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in Leadership Studies with a double minor in Communication and Religious Studies. Upon graduating in 2017, she immediately joined the Houston Police Academy to pursue a career in law enforcement.

    After completing the academy, Detective Smith was assigned to the Central Patrol Station, where she worked the night shift from 2018 to 2022. During this time, she was recognized for her proactive approach to policing, earning multiple commendations from both supervisors and civilians. She also served as a field training officer and became decoy-trained with the Vice Division, assisting in Demand Suppression Operations. In addition to her law enforcement duties, she pursued further education at Sam Houston State University, where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, specializing in mental health diversion programs and recidivism rates related to substance abuse offenses.

    In 2022, Detective Smith transferred to the Vice Division, where she continues to serve on the night shift in General Enforcement. Her responsibilities include investigating street-level prostitution, conducting Demand Suppression Operations, and monitoring illegal nightclubs, sexually oriented businesses, and massage parlors. She also plays a key role in human trafficking investigations. As a member of the National Technical Investigators Association (NATIA), she serves as the night shift technology coordinator, specializing in covert surveillance. In this role, she assists in identifying, testing, and procuring surveillance equipment for the Vice Division. Additionally, she contributes to the training and development of law enforcement personnel by instructing courses such as Cadet Introduction to Human Trafficking, HPD Human Trafficking Mandatory Training, and Decoy/Demand Suppression Training.

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