New York Police Warning: If You See This, Call ASAP
Similar to New York City's anti-terrorism slogan, "If you see something, say something" NYSP spent time speaking to commercial truck drivers to share some very important resources in stopping a growing threat in the country.
Here's how you can help, too.
Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative in New York State
"Last week, our New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and Traffic Incident Management handed out flyers to truckers and commercial vehicles to promote Human Trafficking Awareness", began a post from the NYSP.
While truck drivers are on the road more than most, the information is helpful for everybody. Here's what to watch out for if you suspect you know a trafficking victim:
How to Recognize a Potential Human Trafficking Victim
The Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at 888-373-7888. They share that specific signs that should "raise concern" include someone you know being "showered with gifts or money" by someone they met recently, especially if they have entered an "asymmetric" relationship (meaning that there is a large age gap, financial gap, or both between the two parties). That's not all.
Read More: What Happened: Fatal Ice Fishing Accident in Upstate New York
Other Human Trafficking Warning Signs
Other warning signs include someone you know developing a close relationship with a person they have only talked to online, being pressured to move for a job that refuses to share specific employment details, or if they are offered employment "that seems too good to be true".
There are also new resources offered by New York State.
Anti-Human Trafficking Resources in New York State
There are many resources available in New York that are designated by region (above). In the Hudson Valley (located in the "Metro Region"), the Response to Human Trafficking Program (RHTP) at My Sister's Place in White Plains is the designated resource group.
Visit them here or call 1-800-298-7233 (SAFE) if you or someone you know is in need of help.
Residents of Columbia and Greene Counties should contact their closest resource in the "Albany Region" (find them here). Learn more signs to watch out for if you suspect someone is the victim of sex trafficking or labor trafficking here.
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Gallery Credit: Nick Kessler