Missouri State Highway Patrol Conducting Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol will participate in a five-day Human Trafficking Awareness initiative beginning tomorrow. This initiative is a concentrated effort to educate commercial motor vehicle drivers, motor carriers, law enforcement officers, and the general public about human trafficking, what signs to look for, and what to do in these situations.

Human trafficking is illegal exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion. It can take the form of sex trafficking, forced labor, or domestic servitude. Human trafficking is not specific to age, race, or gender, and it occurs in rural, suburban, and urban areas across Missouri. The victims of human trafficking are from all socioeconomic backgrounds and levels of education.

The Patrol says signs of human trafficking are not always obvious, and may include the presence of an older “boyfriend” or “girlfriend;” travel with an older male or female who isn’t a guardian; signs of psychological coercion, such as depression, anxiety, or an overly submissive attitude; lack of control over his or her schedule, money, or items proving identification; physical trauma such as bruises, cuts, burns, or scars; poor health; coached and rehearsed responses to questions; substance abuse or addictions, selling drugs; or, homelessness.

Suspected human trafficking can be reported by calling 1-888-373-7888.