Human Trafficking, a Growing Problem
Shea Hallet, from Fairbanks International Airport Police and Fire Department, talked with Sol de Medianoche about human trafficking in our State.
How do you define human trafficking? Human trafficking is an active threat in Alaska and happens more often than one would think. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. How often does human trafficking happen in Alaska? How many cases have we had so far? Since 2007, the Human Trafficking hotline has received 576 signals (calls, online chats, texts, emails) and identified 124 cases involving 236 victims. In 2021 (the most recent statistical year) 81 signals were received, which led to 16 cases being identified that involve 25 total victims. Which city or town shows more cases in Alaska? I would think Anchorage, due to its population. Human traffic happens in cities, in suburbs, and in rural areas. It can happen to people of any age, race, or gender. What are the indicators or red flags that law enforcement looks for to identify these cases? - Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations or houses of worship? - Has a child stopped attending school? - Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior - Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts? - Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs or mental or physical abuse? - Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing? - Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive? - Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep or medical care? - Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to? - Does the person appear to be coached on what to say? - Is the person living in unsuitable conditions? - Does the person lack personal possessions and appears not to have a stable living situation? - Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures in place? What can the victims do if they suffer from human trafficking? They should tell someone, call the hotline. What advice would you give to avoid a situation of human trafficking? General exploitation is treating a person unfairly to benefit from their work. Exploitation can involve the use of threats, manipulation, or force to get someone to do something they do not want to do for the benefit of another person. It can take many forms; it could look like an employer forcing an employee to work for little or no pay or it could look like a romantic partner threatening harm if their partner doesn’t perform sex acts for money, drugs, or a place to stay. Where should someone report a suspicious case or emergency? The number to call is 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
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