Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery, affecting nearly 25 million victims worldwide, including many in the United States. Traffickers exploit public transportation due to its low cost, anonymity in purchasing fare cards, and reduced interaction with government or transit officials. By understanding the signs of trafficking and knowing how to report suspected victims, we can work together to combat this heinous crime.
County Connection operators are trained to spot the signs of human trafficking and will respond if alerted to a trafficked person aboard a bus.
How can you spot the signs?
When using public transportation, it’s crucial to be aware of the indicators of human trafficking. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Unusual Behavior: A person who seems fearful, anxious, or submissive, or who avoids eye contact.
- Controlled Communication: Individuals who are accompanied by someone who controls their movements or interactions, including speaking for them.
- Lack of Identification: Victims may lack personal identification or may be unwilling or unable to provide information about themselves.
- Signs of Abuse: Look for physical signs of abuse or neglect, such as bruises or scars.
- Restricted Freedom: Individuals who appear to be monitored or restricted from leaving a location.
How do you report suspected victims?
DO NO HARM: When encountering suspected instances of human trafficking, do not alert the suspected victims or traffickers by confronting them or drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Ensure the safety of the suspected victim, yourself, and others by reporting your tip as soon as possible. Remember, it is not your responsibility to determine if a tip is actionable, or to directly investigate or intervene. That responsibility lies solely with law enforcement, and while their response might not be visibly apparent to you, be assured that your tip will be taken seriously.
REPORTING GOAL: Reporting suspected human trafficking is always the right thing to do. By itself or combined with other information, your tip may help law enforcement build a case against a trafficker and help a victim. Reporting also helps to identify potential “hot spots” of activity that could help law enforcement break up a trafficking ring. You may never know the outcome of the resulting investigation, but by reporting what you see, you just might assist someone in escaping. If you suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking, it’s vital to take action:
- Do Not Confront the Suspected Trafficker: Your safety is paramount. Confrontation could escalate the situation for the victim.
- Gather Information: If safe, observe details such as location, descriptions of involved individuals, and any vehicle information.
- Contact Authorities:
- Local Law Enforcement: Call your local police department or use emergency services (911).
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733 for confidential support and resources.
- County Connection Operator: Our drivers (bus operators) are trained to spot signs of human trafficking and may also report a victim.
Additional Contacts and Resources
- Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition (Local, Contra Costa County)
info@cchumantrafficking.org
24 hour Crisis Line: 1-800-833-2900
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1 -888- 373-7888- Text: 233733 (Text “HELP” or “INFO”)
- Department of Transportation (National)
trafficking@dot.gov
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. - National Human Trafficking Hotline (National)
Call: 1-888-3737-888- Text: 233733
- Get help and connect with a service provider in your area.
- Report a tip with information on potential human trafficking activity.
- Learn more by requesting training, technical assistance, or resources.
- Text: 233733
- Homeland Security Investigation Tip Line (National, International)
1-866-347-2423 (U.S.)
1-802-872-6199 (International)