PEORIA, Ill. — Trooper Zachary Heard with the Illinois State Police said human trafficking is something that he has come across in his career.
He said when he went through the academy, there were no classes dedicated to human trafficking, but now there is a law that requires training of investigations for trafficking for Illinois State Troopers. Heard said he received additional training from Truckers Against Trafficking.
“It was impactful on me because along with the deputy director of the program, a survivor is brought along. That personal account, just the unique inside knowledge that a survivor has is invaluable for us,” Heard said.
Heard said after that experience, he has been trying to get more training to field officers on the subject.
Finding victims of human trafficking takes active policing, according to Heard.
“Most people don’t want to tell you they are actively engaged in crime,” Heard said. “People are always communicating, whether it’s verbal or physical. It requires someone to be extremely observant, and aware of body language and behavioral changes.”
Since victims often know their handlers or trafficker for some time, Heard said it can be difficult to get them to ask for help.
“Human traffickers are likely controlling their victims through fraud, forced coercion, manipulation, abuse, guilt, embarrassment, or all of thee above, he said. “Obviously that’s one of the biggest issues we face. That relationship is potentially years, and we have a brief encounter.”
Heard said due to the intense pressure victims are under, they are most times unwilling to come forward, and that’s why training for law enforcement is important.
Law enforcement will take a victim centered approach to bridge the gap so the victim feels like they can ask for help.
Traffickers are very predatory when it comes to picking out their prey. They will choose victims they know they can not lose control of.
Many have shared their scary encounters on social media, but Heard said the internet has also created a larger venue for this crime.
“Where typically you may have thought prostitution was something that had to be advertised physically on a street corner or location,” Heard said. “Now it has entered everyone’s home and front doorstep electronically. Scary.”
Heard said when he teaches about human trafficking, he mentions when he intercepted a 16-year-old who was in the process of being trafficked.
“She was a willing victim at the time when I intercepted her, not knowing, as a child, to be willing,” Heard said.
He said he uses that situation to teach law enforcement all over the country.
“When I was a kid quite honestly, the safest place, for my parents, the safest place for me to be was in my room being quiet. They knew I was safe there,” Heard said. “Now I would say the most unsafe your kid can be is in their room being quiet. It’s a complete one eighty. You don’t know who’s talking to them.”
Predators can send out thousands of lines to hook someone.
When helping victims, Heard said they have to get the victims to advocate for themselves.
“And that’s a tough thing to do in a very short window of opportunity,” he said.
Heard said their goal is to hold someone accountable for their actions, and give victims their freedom back.
“Anytime we can preserve or restore human life or freedom is a win,” he said.
There are many organizations out there to help the victim out, as well as hotlines.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888, and free and confidential victim services are available at 1-800-559-SAFE (7233).
For more information on the Center for Prevention of Abuse, click HERE. https://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org/
