How to help combat human trafficking on Florida's roadways
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Tallahassee, Florida - On January 11, 2024, Florida's Attorney General Ashley Moody joined with numerous organizations to recognize National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The organizations include the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), and Florida Trucking Association.
In 2007, the U.S. Congress designated January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and respond appropriately. As part of this day of awareness, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated a 'Blue Campaign' to help spread awareness of the signs and indicators of human trafficking. Learn about the Blue Campaign at dhs.gov/medialibrary/assets/video/21829?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
Highway Heros
While human trafficking takes place in many forms and places, our roadways and related infrastructure serve as a prime breeding ground for trafficking to invade our society. Florida’s nearly half a million Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders play a pivotal role in our fight against this horrendous crime, serving as the eyes and ears of our highways.
In 2020, the FLHSMV and FHP teamed up with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to enlists Florida’s CDL holders in the fight to end human trafficking in Florida by becoming a Highway Hero. For more information on the Highway Heroes initiative, including access to the TAT training, please visit the FLHSMV Highway Heroes website at flhsmv.gov/safety-center/human-trafficking/commercial-drivers/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
“We are committed to ending human trafficking in Florida, and I’m grateful to have the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as strong partners in our mission to stop this atrocious crime," said Attorney General Ashley Moody. "It is a fight that we will not win alone, and we are working hard to enlist as many drivers as possible to be our eyes and ears on Florida’s roadways. I’m urging all our commercial drivers to learn potential signs of trafficking and how to report suspicious activity to authorities — you can help stop traffickers and save lives.”
The Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement organizations nationwide are participating in a focused enforcement and outreach initiative during January 8 through January 12, 2024. During the enforcement, FHP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) members are conducting inspections of commercial motor vehicles, with an eye on Human Trafficking. CVE Troopers are also working with bus terminal and truck stops to provide outreach literature and conduct outreach efforts to educate on human trafficking.
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) - Make the call to Save Lives
Wallet Cards for Truckers Against Trafficking provide easy access to information on human trafficking and contact information to report trafficking activity.
When calling to report suspected human trafficking, law enforcement needs actionable information to assist them including:
• Descriptions of cars or trucks (make, model, color, license plate, truck and/or USDOT number.) and people (height, weight, hair color, eye color, age.) Take a picture if possible.
• Specific times and dates (When did you see the event in question take place? What day was it?)
• Addresses and locations where suspicious activity took place.
Be sure to tell them you suspect human trafficking, not prostitution.
To download the TAT app, or download or request a TAT wallet Card, visit: Education.TruckersAgainstTrafficking.org/tat-human-trafficking-wallet-card/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
Report Human Trafficking
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
U.S. Department of Justice Hotline: 1-888-428-7581
Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
Local Authorities: 911 or *FHP (*347)
FLHSMV
FLHSMV is responsible for licensing all drivers in Florida, including commercial drivers, and FLHSMV’s division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is responsible for educating, regulating, and enforcing laws related to commercial vehicle operations in the state.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Learn more at flhsmv.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
FHP
The Florida Highway Patrol strives to achieve core values of courtesy, service, and protection. It is FHP’s job to help ensure the safety and welfare of millions of Florida’s residents and visitors every day.
To learn more about FHP or how to become one of Florida’s Finest, visit BeATrooper.com.