The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is participating in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative. This campaign aims to educate truck drivers on the signs of human trafficking and empower them to report suspected cases.
An annual North American campaign to end human trafficking kicks off this week with the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division participating in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative. 'We are passing out materials from Truckers Against Trafficking,' said Indiana State Police motor carrier inspector Kimberly Hill.
Hill said the goal of the weeklong program is to educate and empower commercial vehicle drivers to spot and report the signs of human trafficking. 'They are the eyes and ears of America,' said Hill. 'They are in places where the rest of us aren't. They are spending the night in a rest area or spending the night at a truck stop.' The initiative operates in three parts: in the United States in January, then to Canada in February, and finally, Mexico in March. 'The state of Indiana and all of the surrounding states are all in the top half of the country for human trafficking cases,' said Hill, 'especially with Indiana being the crossroads of America.'Indiana State Police motor carrier inspector Kimberly Hill hands an information card to a truck driver at a weigh station in Seymour on January 14, 2025. State police are passing out informational flyers to drivers this week. Each one contains common signs of human trafficking victims, including: inadequate clothing, especially in extreme weather; individuals appearing fearful, anxious, or submissive; lack of identification documents; and being accompanied by someone who appears controlling.At the Seymour weigh station, Hill said more than 1,000 trucks passed by each hour Tuesday morning in the right lane of northbound Interstate 65. State police say Hill and her team of inspectors are often the frontline for initiatives like the Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, with immediate access to large vehicles. Hill said state police have rescued missing children during similar stops. She said the average age of a sex-trafficked child is 12-14 years old. 'I can't imagine that happening to someone I know,' said Hill. 'And now I'm going to get emotional over it. So, yeah. That's why. That's why it's important. To protect the people I love and help everybody else protect the people they love.' Indiana State Police ask Hoosiers not to confront a possible human trafficker directly. Instead, they suggest letting law enforcement navigate the situation. If you suspect a human trafficking situation, you can call police with a description of the vehicle and other details, such as a specific date, time, and location of the incident. You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUCK DRIVERS SAFETY INITIATIVE INDIANA STATE POLICE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wood and Murray State host Indiana StateMurray State visits the Indiana State Sycamores after Jacobi Wood scored 22 points in the Racers' 81-76 overtime loss to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Wednesday's matchup is the first of the season for the teams. Indiana State is 1-0 against the MVC, and Murray State is 1-0 against conference opponents.
Read more »
Teel's 26 Points Lead Indiana State Past Murray StateSamage Teel led Indiana State to a victory over Murray State with 26 points.
Read more »
Ohio State Overwhelms Indiana State with Balanced Scoring in 103-83 VictoryBruce Thornton led five Buckeyes in double figures with a career-high 33 points, powering Ohio State to a 103-83 win over Indiana State. Ohio State's offense was unstoppable, shooting 56% from the field and capitalizing on free throws. The Buckeyes also dominated the turnover battle, securing a decisive victory.
Read more »
Ohio State Dominates Indiana State in BasketballBruce Thornton led the Buckeyes with a career-high 33 points, while four teammates also reached double figures in a 103-83 victory over Indiana State.
Read more »
Ohio State Cruises Past Indiana State, Thornton Scores 33Bruce Thornton led the Buckeyes with a career-high 33 points as they defeated Indiana State 103-83.
Read more »
Mountain West basketball preview: Boise State, Nevada, San Diego State, Utah State atop the packMWC could receive just two NCAA tournament bids this season
Read more »