Quincy Police Start “Human Trafficking” Educational Campaign
By: Quincy Police Department; Lanetra Bennett Email
Updated: Mon 6:02 PM, Nov 04, 2013
By: Lanetra Bennett
November 4, 2013
November 4, 2013
Quincy, FL - A campaign in Quincy is putting the problem of human trafficking in its scopes.
Quincy police say human trafficking, referred to as modern day slavery, generates about $32 billion a year.
Police are starting an educational campaign because they say Gadsden County's high population of Hispanics make for a hot spot for networks.
Quincy's assistant police chief, Glenn Sapp, says, "With some of the Hispanic population out of Mexico and Central and South America trying to gain citizenship, they do become prime targets for exploitation and human trafficking."
Police say 80 percent of victims are exploited as sexual slaves, and 21 percent of them are children.
They want the public to be aware of certain indicators such as, Does the person work excessively long and/or unusual hours?... Is the person fearful, timid or submissive?
Quincy resident Gary Moore says, "Human trafficking, that's just inhumane and it's wrong. I hope they do catch the people that's doing it."
Police say other signs are: if the person is confused, afraid, or show signs of mental or physical abuse. Can they freely contact friends or family? Are they allowed to freely socialize?
Quincy police are placing posters and flyers around town targeting areas where potential victims might frequent. Residents are urged to contact authorities if they suspect human trafficking.
Quincy resident says, Rochelle Bauldree, says, "I would do that anyway. If I would see somebody doing something that I didn't think was right, I'd be glad to help in any way I can."
Citizens are encouraged to call The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or the Quincy Police Department at (850) 627-7111.
PRESS RELEASE: QUINCY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Human trafficking is a modern day form of slavery. It’s an incredibly lucrative crime, bringing quick, high profits with few start-up costs. Because of this, it has expanded into a huge network, second only to the drug trade. Florida Statutes 787.06 makes human trafficking illegal
Human Trafficking Facts:
• 80% of victims are exploited as sexual slaves, and 21% of them are children.
• 17% are trafficked to perform forced labor. Children make up 26% of forced labor.
• About 5.5 million child victims at any given time.
• Two-thirds of human trafficking victims are women.
• Only one out of every 100 victims is ever rescued.
• 161 countries are affected by human trafficking, across every continent.
• Human trafficking networks generate about $32 billion in revenue a year
• 17% are trafficked to perform forced labor. Children make up 26% of forced labor.
• About 5.5 million child victims at any given time.
• Two-thirds of human trafficking victims are women.
• Only one out of every 100 victims is ever rescued.
• 161 countries are affected by human trafficking, across every continent.
• Human trafficking networks generate about $32 billion in revenue a year
Citizens can be aware of certain indicators that a person might be trafficked. Although these indicators are not conclusive, a call to law enforcement can trigger an investigation.
Signs of Human Trafficking may include:
• Does the person work excessively long and/or unusual hours?
• Is the person inadequately dressed for the situation or work they do?
• Has the person or their family been threatened with harm?
• Is the person fearful, timid or submissive?
• Has the person been threatened with deportation?
• Is the person confused, afraid, or show signs of mental or physical abuse?
• Can the person freely contact friends or family?
• Is the person allowed to freely socialize or attend religious services?
• Is the person inadequately dressed for the situation or work they do?
• Has the person or their family been threatened with harm?
• Is the person fearful, timid or submissive?
• Has the person been threatened with deportation?
• Is the person confused, afraid, or show signs of mental or physical abuse?
• Can the person freely contact friends or family?
• Is the person allowed to freely socialize or attend religious services?
To increase awareness and bring this problem to the surface, the Quincy Police Department has placed posters and flyers targeting areas where potential victims might frequent. The Police Department also has conducted training for officers on how to respond to a complaint of human trafficking.
Citizens are encouraged to call The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or the Quincy Police Department at (850) 627-7111.
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