The Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division is spending this week spreading awareness about human trafficking to truckers on Michigan highways. MSP Lieutenant Chris Keller tells WSJM News human trafficking is often when someone is forced into prostitution. Truckers are in a good position to look out for signs of such crimes.
“At truck stops and other places where trucks congregate, there’s a common misconception that there might be some form what looks like prostitution or something like that going on,” Keller said. “A lot of times, that can be human trafficking where the people are not willful participants, but they’re being required to do so against their will. There’s been cases of that in Michigan and all over the country that have been stopped and dealt with and girls have been rescued.”
Keller says truckers were drafted into the fight against human trafficking several years ago, and there’s a Truckers Against Trafficking hotline they’re encouraged to call when they suspect something. He says the partnership has led to several people being rescued. Motor carrier officers will be handing out cards for the hotline to truckers all week during this National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
