DENVER — The Colorado Association of Transportation Agencies (CASTA) is urging Colorado travelers and transit professionals to be aware of the signs of human trafficking on the road.
CASTA and several anti-trafficking and law enforcement agencies came together Tuesday to address the problem of human trafficking in Colorado and to improve training for the law enforcement, transportation sectors in common and trucking.
“Traffickers use all modes of transportation to conduct their activities and often use public transportation because it is inexpensive, provides greater anonymity when purchasing fare cards, and allows for less direct interaction with the government or transport officials”, according to the Federal Transportation Administration.
“I believe bus stops and other facilities have been used in the past to recruit victims. Public transportation and trucking have also been used to move victims from place to place,” he said. said Ann Rajewski, executive director of CASTA.
According to US Department of Statethere are nearly 25 million victims of trafficking worldwide at any given time.
Truckers Against Trafficking said prevention begins with knowing the red flagsincluding someone who:
- Goes from vehicle to vehicle at a truck stop
- Defers to another person to speak for them, appears to be coached on what to say, or their responses seem rehearsed.
- Appears to travel with few or no personal items, such as no purse or wallet.
“Maybe someone who is dressed inappropriately for the weather,” said Louie Greek, a construction specialist for the Truckers Against Trafficking coalition.
Travelers and most transit professionals are encouraged not to confront victims. Instead, you should write down a license plate number or other identifying information and contact authorities.
“If these drivers can be aware and attentive to these particular red flags, then they may again be able to identify this crime,” Greek said.
Victims of human trafficking can get help by contacting Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline by phone at 1-866-455-5075 or by text to 720-999-9724. You can also contact local authorities. Colorado covered has resources for victims and survivors of human trafficking in Colorado.
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