HUMAN TRAFFICKING a modern form of slavery
If you observe suspicious activity or know someone is being trafficked or sexually exploited in Howard County, call 911. Callers may remain anonymous.
IF YOU ARE IN DANGER,
DIAL 911
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE: 1-888-373-7888, OR TEXT INFO OR HELP TO 233733
HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 3410 COURT HOUSE DR | ELLICOTT CITY | HCPD.ORG
What is human trafficking? Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.
What are the signs? •
Are there many men coming and going from the same location, typically for short durations?
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Is one person in a relationship controlling? Do they do all of the communicating, provide ID for others?
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Are minors not in class during school hours?
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Does a minor have a much older “boyfriend?”
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Does the person show signs of drug addiction?
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Does someone seem fearful? Afraid to speak, avoiding eye contact?
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Has there been unusual travel or “vacations” to odd locations?
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Do you see someone who seems insufficiently dressed for their location/climate?
Traffickers don’t fall into a particular demographic. They may be male or female, young or old. A trafficker may be a family member or may appear to be a boyfriend. Traffickers often control their victims through power and manipulation, and prey on the vulnerabilities of the victim. That dynamic may not be readily observable making trafficking difficult to detect.
People of every age, gender, ethnicity and class, from any country can be trafficked. Howard County’s Regional Navigator Program provides resources for human trafficking survivors age 24 and under.
ANONYMOUS TIPS: 410-290-3784, OR HCPDCRIMETIPS@HOWARDCOUNTYMD.GOV