Local counties partake in National Human Trafficking Awareness month – Post and Courier

Human trafficking is an issue that is often hidden, but efforts continue to get the public more involved in stopping the crime on a local level.

The Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF) a local organization organized into eight parts that involve education, law enforcement, legal innovations, child services, adult services, healthcare, faith-based, and research.

The group's main focus is to get all these entities involved in the battle against both labor trafficking and sex trafficking. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and the HTTF is receiving its due recognition.

On Jan. 3, members of the Dorchester County Council gave the organization a proclamation honoring its efforts and the recognition will continue in both Berkeley and Charleston counties.

Brooke Burris, Chair for the Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force stated: “It's public private partnerships. It's all about coordinating the governmental and non-profit partners while engaging the community.”

She added: “We've got law enforcement; SLED is really taking the lead on the investigative side and both solicitor's offices are involved along with the US Attorney's Office.”

Burris mentioned new efforts will also come from the Charleston International Airport. The plan there is to remind visitors and those potential victims of human trafficking that help is out is out there. The local HTTF unit, she noted, can offer advice on what to look for.

Another resounding message from all of those involved in the investigation of  trafficking is to pay attention to what kids are doing online. They also encourage parents and guardians to investigate their social media behavior and who they are chatting with. Teens with certain vulnerabilities can easily be coerced and victimized, according to the task force.

The HTTF reports that traffickers will take time to build trust as a cost of doing business. Buying gifts or going on trips with a potential victim is an investment that will eventually pay off. And finding victims is now as easy as ever.