MADISON, Wis. — Earlier this year in January, the Dane County Sheriff’s department hired its first full-time anti-human trafficking detective.
Detective Ditran Lazami is the detective now leading the fight in Dane County.
When it comes to human trafficking In the state of Wisconsin, the Human Trafficking Hotline reported that 1,640 victims have been identified since its inception in 2007.
While many people believe that trafficking happens in public places through kidnapping, the reality is that it happens online through a process called grooming.
The Polaris project, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking, reported that in 2021 the leading recruitment location was the internet through dating apps and social media sites like Facebook.
Detective Lazami said another common misconception is that trafficking is only an international issue.
“Trafficking is not only international but it happens here in our backyard, we try to educate [the public] that just because they don’t see it outside on the streets doesn't mean it doesn't happen,” said Lazami.
Detective Lazami is originally from Europe where he filled a variety of roles, all starting at a very young age.
“I was equivalent to a sergeant, commander of a police station, assistant chief, I was also an inspector for illicit drug trafficking,” said Lazami.
Most of Lazami’s day is spent in the office digging through case files and searching the web for possible traffickers.
His department also collaborates with local non-profit organizations who help survivors of trafficking.
“With them we try to find better options, better solutions for our victims,” said Lazami.
Lazami said even though he tries, he never really leaves his work at the office. He said he and is always thinking about the men and women he works with.
“I try to distract myself once I go home, you know, do activities with the kids but it is difficult and it definitely stays with you,” said Lazami. “ You always have to think, where is this victim going to stay, are they going to be safe tonight.”
If you think someone is in danger or has been a victim of human trafficking, you can contact 911.
If you feel uncomfortable calling the police, you can contact:
Every Daughter which is “a group of women from several churches around Dane County who meet regularly to contact and offer assistance to women who are sexually exploited & trafficked…”
Project Respect at (608) 283-6435. Project Respect is a non-profit that “addresses domestic sex trafficking and local prostitution, offering services for survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.