St. Joseph County Police Department taking initiative to combat human trafficking

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Police Department is increasing resources to combat human trafficking after a recent sting on massage parlors in St. Joseph County revealed that the global issue is prevalent in Michiana.

In response to the victims of human trafficking found at massage parlors across St. Joseph County in June, Sheriff William Redman has announced the expansion of the Crisis Intervention Center to include identifying, responding, and providing services for human trafficking victims.

The Crisis Intervention Center, which recently received funding from The Office for Victims of Crime, is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the Attorney General’s Office to create a more organized task force focused on the criminal element of human trafficking.

In addition, local community organizations such as the Family Justice Center, Catholic Charities, the YWCA, and the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center also expressed interest in fighting local human trafficking.

By collaborating with federal and non-profit agencies, the Crisis Intervention Center hopes to increase funding, training, local awareness, and services for victims of human trafficking.