DRAFT - HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION and RESPONSE

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it happens in our own communities. There are many myths and misconceptions about what human trafficking is and who is most vulnerable, which is why raising awareness and recognizing the indicators are critical first steps to combat these crimes and save lives.

Emergency Management can be in a unique position to help due to the many ways they interface with the public.  You can report suspected human trafficking to local law enforcement, Federal law enforcement at 1-866-347-2423, or to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. 

The following are resources from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’) Blue Campaign to help in recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking and assisting human trafficking victims:

• A      Victim Identification Pamphlet and a Victim Support Pamphlet targeted to law      enforcement, first responders, and health professionals are available in many language translations. A First Responder Indicator Card provides the classic presentations found in trafficking victims in a concise, pocket-sized reference.
• For campus law enforcement and public safety officials, a 7-page Human Trafficking Response Guide and a Campus Law Enforcement Pocket Card provide the indicators of human trafficking among student populations and information about how trauma can affect the victim behavior you may be witnessing.

• Human Trafficking Awareness for First Responders, an 11-minute training video from the United States Fire Administration (USFA) for the fire service and emergency medical services (EMS) providers.
• IS-1152: Blue Campaign First Responder Training,      a one-hour independent study course from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Emergency Management Institute (EMI).
• What EMS Needs to Know about Human Trafficking, a free online course targeted to EMS providers from the Institute for Family Violence Studies at Florida State University (FSU).
• Human Trafficking Awareness Training, a 1-day in-person training program from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
• Combatting Human Trafficking in Tribal Communities,      a 51-minute training video for law enforcement from DHS’ Blue Campaign.
• Campus Law Enforcement Training, two      short videos from DHS’ Blue Campaign, adapted from the information in the      Campus Law Enforcement and Public Safety Officials Human Trafficking      Response Guide.
• IS-1151: Blue Campaign Disaster Responder Training,      a 20-minute independent study course from FEMA’s EMI, targeted to disaster      response personnel who may observe human trafficking activity following a      disaster.

 You can visit DHS’ Blue Campaign website and follow @DHSBlueCampaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information on Campaign efforts throughout the year.  

 You can report suspected human trafficking to local law enforcement, Federal law enforcement at 1-866-347-2423, or to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.