Many of you may be thinking, “What on Earth does the Ohio Investigative Unit have to do with human trafficking?” It’s a understandable question, until you think about where the agents work each day. They are in and out of convenience stores and adult entertainment locations. Human trafficking is taking place all around us, but in these locations we know the victims are being used for labor and also sex.
There is a change in culture among police agencies. We are training our agents to spot victims of human trafficking and how to approach them. Members of our communities can also get involved by knowing the signs and contacting authorities if they feel human trafficking is taking place. Act quickly. Most victims do not stay in one location for long periods of time.
Here are the signs:
• He/she is not free to come and go as he/she pleases;
• He/she is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense or paranoid;
• Appears malnourished;
• Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement or torture;
• He/she is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present or to translate the conversation);
• He/she claims to be just visiting and is unable to clarify where he/she is staying; and
• He/she may be under 18 years old.
• He/she is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense or paranoid;
• Appears malnourished;
• Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement or torture;
• He/she is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present or to translate the conversation);
• He/she claims to be just visiting and is unable to clarify where he/she is staying; and
• He/she may be under 18 years old.
You can anonymously report suspected human trafficking to OIU at #677.
Don’t turn your back, ACT!
Don’t turn your back, ACT!
