MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Human trafficking dangers can show in a wide variety of signs, and getting the right education can make a life-or-death difference. First responders are most times the initial point of contact for traumatic incidents and the victims. In cases involving human trafficking, sometimes even the most hidden red flags can be paramount to someone’s safety.
The President of the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force, Stephanie Graef, was on Northern Michigan University’s campus, teaching active and retired law enforcement officers and recruits about how to practice recognizing these signs. She noted that reviewing and understanding before the situation arises is a necessity.
“They go out to the scene and they see maybe this woman that is all beat up she’s got bruises is this domestic violence or is this a situation where she’s being controlled,” commented Graef.
Today’s session covered over 30 indicators of sex trafficking, the victim’s tendency to isolate, deny, or even minimize the threat of the illegal activity. Graef noted that having officers in the room with years of experience helps prepare new officers who are just entering the field.
“We have people that have been on the force for 25 years maybe you know on road patrol,” continued Graef.
Sgt Adam Maynard, the Director for NMU’s Public Safety, commented sometimes the Upper Peninsula is isolated away from training just due to the size of the population and the amount of crime.
“A lot of our training is just status quo what’s going on in a society where we find problems with more knowledge and just like anything it comes down to knowing things,” said the Training Director for Public Safety Institute Adam Maynard. “We don’t have a call volume like say Detroit or these larger cities. It’s not that they don’t happen up here it’s just that the population levels are so low and a lot smaller,” continued Maynard.
Officers note that even though we might not hear about it every day the training sessions are an imperative reminder of the dangers that can travel to even the most remote areas.
