Law Enforcement Discusses Human Trafficking Prevention

(SALISBURY, Md) – January is national human trafficking awareness month. And local law enforcement agencies are bringing awareness to the crime by warning community members of the telltale signs.

At the Seaford Police Department, Deputy Chief Tyler Justice walked us through how they were able to coordinate busting a human trafficking operation thanks to local tips.

Showing trafficking crimes could be happening in plain sight.

“With human trafficking, especially, it’s important that the community speak up and say something when they see something. These are frequently in our area. These operate as establishments…” says Justice.

It’s all part of January being National Human Trafficking Prevention month.

And law enforcement agencies, regardless of which state they are in, say that human trafficking can take multiple forms.

Salisbury Police Chief, David Meienschein tells WMDT, “It could be somebody that’s just vulnerable through addiction issues, vulnerable through mental health issues or the like, or just a vulnerable juvenile. For instance, for different various reasons, you know, there’s a whole different array of where someone could get put into a situation.”

Law enforcement agencies in both states want victims to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to come forward to get the resources they need.

“Some people aren’t necessarily comfortable with just coming right out and forward and contacting law enforcement for very various reasons. But there’s a lot of assistance and help that can be provided behind the scenes privately,” says Chief Meienschein.

But victims should not be afraid of any potential implications.

Deputy Chief Justice says, “Because these are frequently our most vulnerable victims, as they might feel that they can’t come forward, or in some cases they’re in danger; if they try and come forward to report it because they feel that they, you know, that they’re engaged in the crime.”

Both the Seaford and Salisbury police departments are encouraging anyone who knows a victim of human trafficking to call the national hotline for help at 1-888-373-7888