Attorney General Bondi and Department of Law Enforcement Unveil Online “Introduction to Human Trafficking” Training
Human trafficking often an invisible crime

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2013

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey announced today a new optional training for Florida law enforcement. The two-hour online training, “Introduction to Human Trafficking,” includes an introduction from Attorney General Bondi and equips front-line officers with information to help them recognize and respond to human trafficking. The complete FDLE “Introduction to Human Trafficking” training is available on FDLE’s website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/BPDtraining/HumanTrafficking/story.html

“Human trafficking is an unconscionable crime, and this online training course for law enforcement officers provides them with the information they need to arrest the perpetrators and protect the victims,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Florida’s climate and appeal help make it a hub for runaways and add to the likelihood of human trafficking in the state. Human smugglers are often attracted to the agriculture and tourism sectors in Florida. The U.S. Department of State estimates 27 million people are trafficked worldwide annually, and in 2011, Florida ranked third nationally in the number of calls the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline received.

“Human trafficking is the 21st century slavery. It primarily involves people being trafficked for commercial sex or labor by force, fraud or coercion. With the support of Attorney General Bondi’s office, FDLE developed this additional training to further equip Florida law enforcement officers in their work to combat human trafficking,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey.

The training provides information for law enforcement about the indicators of potential human trafficking along with related state and federal laws. It defines human trafficking, discusses different forms of trafficking and indicators to help identify potential trafficking victims.

“Florida’s Sheriffs applaud Attorney General Pam Bondi for her efforts to combat the issue of Human Trafficking in our state,” said Steve Casey, Executive Director of the Florida Sheriffs Association. “The online Human Trafficking Training from FDLE will give law enforcement the tools and knowledge to reduce the number of victims affected by this horrific crime.”

Chief Dennis Jones, Tallahassee Police Department and President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association stated, “The Florida Police Chiefs Association and its members commend Attorney General Bondi and FDLE Commissioner Bailey for their work on the development of this valuable online training program that will not only help our officers better identify criminals involved in human trafficking, but will also assist them in identifying the victims of this horrible crime. The Police Chiefs throughout Florida are committed to doing whatever ever it takes to eliminate human trafficking in our state.”

All interested law enforcement officers can complete the FDLE “Introduction to Human Trafficking” training online. For more information about completing this training, contact the FDLE Bureau of Professional Development at (850) 410-7373 or kaypafford@fdle.state.fl.us.

Contact:
Jenn Meale
Phone: 850.245.0150
jennifer.meale@myfloridalegal.com

Gretl Plessinger, Linda McDonald or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
Phone: 850.410.7001