Michigan State Police just wrapped up their annual week-long initiative, raising awareness about human trafficking.
“It’s out there, it’s happening, and from what I understand, it’s happening right here in our own backyard, as well,” said Tim Baker, President of Pinnacle Truck Driving.
Each year, troopers join forces with TAT to educate people on what signs to look for on the road.
“We’ve taught Truckers Against Trafficking since we’ve started this program,” said Baker. “My first partner, Tim Martin, we believe it was very important because we have grandchildren. We have daughters, and we have granddaughters. Truckers are out there. They’re our first line of defense.”
According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, Michigan is in the top 10 for states with the most reported trafficking cases.
“If you have either of these in your area, you’ll be touched by human trafficking,” said MSP Officer, Victor Jurkowski. “One, is a road. It’s a mobile enterprise. Next things is, a computer.”
Troopers said the internet plays a huge role in the recruiting process.
“Sometimes people are being brought into the United States with all sorts of promises of perhaps, “We’ll give you a job, you’ll go to school, you’ll learn the language and that never happens,” said Jurkowski.
To keep your children safe, troopers and TAT said parents should monitor what their kids do online.
If my daughters and granddaughters were missing, the last thing I would want is for someone to see something and not report it,” said Baker. “’I don’t want to get involved’… there’s too much of that these days out there. We should all get involved.”
If you see think you might suspect human trafficking, call (888) 373-7888.
© 2023 - 910 Media Group
