In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is raising awareness about human trafficking during the month of January.
MSP Lt. Chris Keller tells us starting next week, MSP motor carrier officers will be teaming up with Truckers Against Trafficking to educate commercial vehicle drivers about the signs of human trafficking.
“We’re trying to raise awareness specifically on what we do with the trucking industry and try to give them the tools and the information they need if they were to encounter it or see a possibility of it to then be able to report it,” Keller says.
Keller says the individuals can look for red flags and things out of the ordinary at rest stops or truck stops can help intercept human trafficking. That may include someone being monitored by another person when talking with others, signs of tattooing or branding of a traffickers’ name, or bruising.
“If you see somebody that looks nervous or doesn’t want to talk to you or appears to be with a truck driver or in that situation against their will, report that” Keller says. “We do want people to do is be aware of some of the signs, some of the possibilities, and be comfortable and have the resources necessary to report it.”
Reporting suspected human trafficking can be done by calling the national human trafficking resources center at 888-373-7888. You can also contact local authorities.
