Knowing the signs: Human trafficking

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — July 30 ^th marks World Day Against Trafficking of Persons. Law enforcement leaders around the world are using the recognition to shed light on crime. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and his team have dedicated time and resources to combating that crime in mid-Michigan.

While forced sex work is commonly associated with human trafficking, Swanson says the crime is so much more.

“It’s not in just sex, but it’s also labor. It’s really slavery, it’s modern-day slavery,” he says. “You can’t take away the reality that it is labor slavery and it also involved young men and older men and those who are addicted. It has no boundaries.”

Since 2018, the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team, or G.H.O.S.T, has worked on human trafficking cases. The unit has operated and supported law enforcement partners across the state and county.

According to the FBI, more than 1,600 cases are currently pending involving human trafficking in the agency.

But how do you spot a victim? Sheriff Swanson says they could be hiding in plain sight in your local grocery store or working or dining in a nearby restaurant.

“You find somebody that looks disheveled. You find somebody that is not from the area by their unfamiliar way of handling things. You look at them and they haven’t eaten in a while. These are some of those indicators that all you need to do is ask the question, ‘Are you OK?'” says Sheriff Swanson.

Sheriff Swanson and his team even developed an online study guide, videos, and certification program to help people recognize the signs of human trafficking. Those signs can be burn marks, cuts, or bruises. In addition to physical abuse, there could also be sudden negative changes in school performance and signs of depression.

Sheriff Swanson says learning the basics can help break the chains of human trafficking. Two weeks ago, he says one person who took the training noticed a woman matching some of those same signs. The person kept an eye on the woman who later approached the person’s car, asking for help.

“That victim said  ‘I noticed you had a G.H.O.S.T sticker saw your sticker, can you help me?  I’m getting abused,'” says Swanson. She was immediately brought into the car and put in now a protective environment. 911 call, law enforcement showed up. we’re able to get her the help she needed through our local hospital and then a shelter. That’s how the system works.”

The Sheriff says that honest conversations about the signs and how a person can become a victim of human trafficking are critical in helping someone speak up.

You can find the online training at this link.

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