BROKEN BOW – Broken Bow Area Rotary, in conjunction with Truckers Against Trafficking and various local sponsors is hosting a series of educational sessions to help combat human trafficking.
Representatives from the Freedom Drivers Project and the Nebraska State Patrol spoke at a panel discussion Sunday afternoon at the Broken Bow Municipal Building.
They emphasized the importance of being aware of what’s happening around us. State Trooper Tim Flick told the audience that if they suspect something may be wrong they should report it to law enforcement, even if they end up being wrong.
Suspected trafficking can be reported at any time by calling the Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline at 833-757-5665.
Flick said that being from a rural area can increase the risk of someone being trafficked because they are more likely to trust people. He said parents need to be aware of what their children are doing and who they’re talking to.
The panel said that trafficking victims are often people who are vulnerable and come from marginalized groups. Truckers Against Trafficking board member Antoine Sadler said it’s important not to look down on other people.
Lieutenant Tim Arnold said the State Patrol division that handles trafficking in central Nebraska is currently only four people and that they need the public’s help.
Additional education will be held Monday and Tuesday at the Municipal Building, including a public presentation by Trooper Flick at noon on Monday and Custer County Sheriff Dan Osmond discussing internet safety at 5 p.m. Monday.
There will also be training offered to city employees on Monday and to EMS and first responders Tuesday evening. The Truckers Against Trafficking trailer exhibit will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the north side of the Municipal Building.
