The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is teaming up with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance for its annual Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, taking place Jan. 13-17, 2025, across the United States. The initiative, which spans North America, aims to educate and empower commercial motor vehicle drivers to help combat human trafficking.
During the five-day campaign, officers will distribute educational materials to truck drivers and conduct vehicle inspections to raise awareness about the issue. The initiative continues in Canada from February 17-21, 2025, and in Mexico from March 17-21, 2025.
Human trafficking is defined by the United Nations as the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or deception, often for financial gain. Victims-men, women, and children from diverse backgrounds-are coerced into exploitation through violence, false promises of education or employment, and fraudulent schemes. The crime is widespread, affecting communities worldwide, including in North America.
The CVSA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is part of its broader Human Trafficking Prevention Program, which seeks to reduce trafficking through coordinated enforcement, education, and outreach within the commercial vehicle industry.
The Indiana State Police collaborates with Truckers Against Trafficking, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training truck drivers and others in the transportation sector to recognize and report signs of trafficking. By empowering drivers to act as the “eyes and ears” on the road, TAT and ISP aim to disrupt traffickers’ operations and protect vulnerable individuals.
For more information about TAT and its efforts, visit www.tatnonprofit.org.
1 comment
I’ m a concerned grandma about the human trafficing, is there enough being said at schools so kids of all ages are alert and reminded of stranger danger? They need to be vigilant and aware of what human trafficing is! If need be educated about the trickery used to entice them into a bad situation. Thank you, concerned grandma!!!