Indianapolis – Troopers and Motor Carrier Inspectors with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) of the Indiana State Police joined neighboring states to raise awareness about human trafficking during the week of January 23rd through the 27th. The Indiana State Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Michigan State Police take the crime of human trafficking seriously and will continue to educate the public and enforce laws that crack down on traffickers.
The goal of the week-long Tri-State Human Trafficking Initiative was to train and educate those in a position to see human trafficking taking place, such as motor vehicle drivers, public transportation companies, rest area attendants and truck stop employees. ISP personnel focused on educating commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers through presentations at company safety meetings, and speaking with drivers and employee’s at rest stops, truck stops and ISP scale facilities across the state.
These individuals can act as the eyes and ears of Indiana’s highways, and by teaching them the signs of human trafficking and how to report it, they are yet another resource to protect humans from trafficking and exploitation.
While no recoveries were reported during the weeklong event, the ISP CVED conducted 20 presentations to over 700 people and distributed over 3,280 window decals, wallet cards and brochures during the events and individual contact with CMV drivers.
“Truckers Against Trafficking is an organization founded by truckers to combat human trafficking across North America. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are in unique position to help law enforcement identify suspected human trafficking as they perform their daily duties across the nation,” said Captain Jon Smithers of the Indiana State Police. “Truck stops and rest parks have historically been utilized by human and sex traffickers and CMV drivers have the opportunity to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement in these locations.”
To report a trafficking tip, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text BeFree to 233733. The toll free number is available anywhere in the US, 24/7. To learn more about Human Trafficking or request a presentation for your group, business or organization contact the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division at (317) 615-7373.
