TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and to commemorate law enforcement agencies are raising awareness about what they say is a growing problem.
It's an issue that local law enforcement say is happening throughout North Florida and South Georgia. It's issue they say that involves thousands of men, women, and children.
"We hear bits and pieces that it is here, what we're asking the community to do is that they do take a stand," said Capt. Robert Mixson with Quincy Police.
Pam Marsh, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, says that human trafficking is most common in high labor areas.
"In the rural areas and places where we have a lot of agriculture, that's where we see the labor trafficking," said Marsh. "Often on the coast where we have large resorts and our beautiful beaches, that's where we see labor trafficking in hotels and also sex trafficking. We also see a lot of sex trafficking around big events, like Super Bowls, professional sports events."
In November, Quincy Police officers began handing out flyers at places where victims may go. The flyers explain the warning signs of what's often considered a hidden crime.
The Quincy Police Department is now participating in the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign, to fight human trafficking. Officers are on the look out for the warning signs including physical abuse.
"Usually some of the indicators could be a lack of documentation," said Capt. Mixson. "Sometimes they may be reluctant to talk to the police reluctant to be involved in the community."
The police department wants you to be on notice too because they say your call could save lives.
"No matter if you speak Spanish, English, French Creole, we're here to help," said Mixson. "If you need any assistance that's what the police department is for. We don't pass the judgement. We are here to assist victims."
You can report human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
