Several organizations working to ‘Put the brakes on human trafficking’

MISSOURI (KBSI) – January is human trafficking prevention month, and several organizations in Missouri are working together to raise awareness.

Because of its location Missouri is a hot spot for human trafficking, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol have come together to form an initiative to help stop human trafficking on Missouri roadways. 

In 2021 were connected to human trafficking in Missouri based off the national hotline for human trafficking hotline records. 

Sgt. Clark Parrott works for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“We have continued that campaign every year we’ve created various training materials for our employees were doing what we can to ensure that not only our employees but members of the public that we interact with are aware of this horrible crime,” said Sgt. Parrott. 

The initiative called “Put the brakes on human trafficking” runs through the month of January to raise awareness to employees working on roadways and citizens using roadways.

Special training is given to employees, so they know the signs to look for when someone is being trafficked.

Heather Luebbert is the commercial motor vehicle program manager for the Missouri Department of Transportation. She talks about the initiative.

“We have continued that campaign every year we’ve created various training materials for our employees were doing what we can to ensure that not only our employees but members of the public that we interact with are aware of this horrible crime,” said Luebbert.

Being aware of the signs are vital in preventing human trafficking. Common places like rest stops, gas stations, convenient stores and hotels are prime spots for the practice of human trafficking. A lot of time trafficking happens by someone the victim knows. Signs to look out for are physical abuse, anxiety. Someone not being able to tell you an exact location of where they are staying and having no form of ID or money.  

“It is an issue that exists year round in all portions and corners of the state of Missouri so if everyone can just take that time to educate themselves and be aware of what it is and what they should do to prevent it we can really all work together to put an end to this crime.”

Its important to remember if you think someone is being trafficked do not approach them.

Call 911 or call it into the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.