Michigan State Police motor carrier officers are stepping up efforts next week to combat human trafficking as part of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Michigan State Police Lieutenant DuWayne Robinson with the Fifth District in Paw Paw tells us MSP motor carriers will join police across the country and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in a nationwide awareness and enforcement initiative.
“They’re going to be conducting various presentations and educational-style outreach at truck stops to victim advocate groups, trucking companies, and other organizations such as churches,” Robinson said.
The effort focuses on educating truck drivers and others in the transportation industry to recognize the signs of human trafficking. Robinson says we’ve seen human trafficking in Southwest Michigan.
“So we know that at truck stops, at hotels, at rest areas, you may see something that looks off with a young teenage male or female who looks uncomfortable, looks out of place in a commercial vehicle or with adult men or women.”
Robinson says it’s important that those most likely to be in places where human trafficking can be seen know what to look for. He tells everyone to report any signs they might notice.
“It’s better to err on the side of caution and report it. And if it happens to be a mistake, then we’ll live with that. But if it’s not a mistake, then we just possibly save someone’s life.”
To report suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resources Center at 888-373-7888. You can also text BeFree to 233733.