Human trafficking in the United States is receiving more national attention from federal prosecutors, local law enforcement agencies, social service workers and the general public. As many as 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States each year, according to government data. Yet skeptics continue to challenge the extent of trafficking, arguing that the actual number of reported incidents reflects a relatively minor problem. Judges and law enforcement officials, especially at the local level, are often among the doubters. Many still perceive human trafficking as an international issue that is rare or nonexistent in their communities.

Which raises an interesting question: if more police officers and judges were trained in understanding the many ways in which human trafficking plays out, what would the result be? Would cities and towns finally begin to realize that trafficking in human beings is a real – and growing – menace everywhere?

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Kathleen Davis, Director of Contemporary Slavery Programs, has been invited to speak before the International Police Executive Symposium, which is meeting at the Freedom Center on May 14. Kathleen will discuss human trafficking as a national and global phenomenon.

IPES brings together law enforcement officials, scholars and experts in the field to address current policing issues around the world. The group meets annually and selected Cincinnati for this year’s symposium. Cincinnati Police Dept (CPD) and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police are acting as event hosts.

Clear here to learn more.