KENOSHA, Wis.— The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance is teaming up with Wisconsin State Patrol this week to help spread awareness about human trafficking.
This week State Patrol is handing out educational information to truck drivers on the signs to help stop human trafficking.
The weigh station in Kenosha is a hot spot for truck drivers to come through on a daily basis, which makes it the perfect spot to get in touch with truck drivers while they are there to get inspections, or stay up to date on certifications. State Patrol is using this week to hand out information on the signs of human trafficking and resources for truck drivers to call if they see a problem.
“They are on the roads all the time so they are the ones who are going to see these types of things,” Wisconsin State Patrol Inspector, Alex Treesh said. "They are at truck stops and rest areas, and those are places that these things occur frequently."
Treesh said human trafficking happens everywhere, even on the roads in Wisconsin.
“It’s kind of more of a hidden type of crime. It’s not something people see very often, but it is prevalent,” Treesh said.
The resources that are being handed out is information from Truckers Against Trafficking. Inside the brochure are the signs to look for. Here are some of the red flags that are important for truck drivers to look for, from Truckers Against Trafficking:
- Lack of knowledge of their whereabouts; not in control of ID/passport
- Restricted or controlled communication – not allowed to speak for self
- CB chatter about “commercial company” or flashing lights signaling “buyer” location
- Acknowledgment of a pimp and making a quota
- A van or RV that seems out of place out by trucks; a vehicle dropping someone off at a truck and picking them up 15-20 minutes later
Alfredo Santos has been a truck driver for the past 30 years and said this information is important to have.
“I want to help, if I can help, I will,” Santos said.
Santos said he plans to hold onto the phone numbers and resources in his truck so he’s ready to help someone in need if they cross paths while he is out on the road.
“It’s really simple, if someone is in trouble, and I can help, it's really important for me," he said. "Every person, they deserve freedom."
Inspector Treesh said he hopes many truck drivers will pick up this information and put it into practice while they are out on the roadways.
“Even one person can make a difference, not only in their life but also in someone else lives,” Treesh said.
Truckers Against Trafficking also has hotlines to call if a truck driver sees something suspicious or is trying to get help:
- U.S.: 1-888-373-7888
- Canada: 1-888-900-1010
- Mexico: 01800-553-3000
- Or text INFO to BeFree (233733)