Agents seek public’s assistance spotting human trafficking

(EDITOR’S NOTE: January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, an effort for recognition of human trafficking, awareness and education.)

COLUMBUS– Human trafficking takes place in communities throughout Ohio, and it’s often discovered in liquor permit premises like convenience stores, bars and truck stops.

Through programs such as Alcohol Server Knowledge (ASK), agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) work with liquor permit premises to identify signs of human trafficking. Agents are turning to the public to teach the signs of human trafficking and ways to report possible incidents.

“Whether you’re a bartender, a customer or just stopping to fill up your car – we need the public to step up and say something.” said Captain Gary Allen, commander of OIU. “Time is usually not on our side, the sooner we find out about these possible incidents, the more likely we can make an impact.”

Signs to look for include:

A man or woman controlling a person’s movements,
Someone not allowed to speak for themselves.
They are not properly dressed for their age or weather.
He or she appears very young as well as fearful or overly submissive.
Things to know when reporting:

Supply details of the situation that led you to believe human trafficking was happening
Explain what made you think their actions were forced or coerced.
Try to supply any names, addresses, phone number, license plate, demographics and physical description of controller and/or victim.
Any small detail can help!

If you would like to request a free ASK program contact OIU at (614) 644-2415. To report signs of human trafficking, contact law enforcement immediately at 911 or #677.