WY Highway Patrol Promotes Truckers Against Trafficking Campaign In Sheridan

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is spreading awareness of a growing crime in which truck drivers, among many others, could be targets of the perpetrators.

This past Friday (January 13th), the Patrol was promoting the Truckers Against Trafficking Campaign in the Sheridan area.

Troopers along with members of Uprising, passed out information to inform drivers how to recognize and report instances of human trafficking.

David Mortensen of the Patrol explains why there’s an increase in public awareness of the crime and where in Wyoming it’s more likely to happen.

“It’s actually one of the biggest money makers for crime now. Unfortunately you’re seeing it in Wyoming a lot, lot more. You’re seeing it with a lot within the migrant workers and things like that, down in the southern part of the state and our southern ports are actually catching it a lot, lot more, so unfortunately it’s something that’s happening a lot more.”

Mortensen also offers some clues on how to spot human trafficking.

“Some of the biggest indicators are people not having possession of their own money or ID’s and things like that. If it’s a woman they won’t be allowed to talk to anybody. They’ll have somebody step in and talk for them. They’ll have somebody step in and pay for them and that’s the control portion of it and that’s something that’s a very good indicator.”

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) certification is available for those interested and you don’t necessarily have to be a trucker to register.

Click here for more information.