July 24th, 2018 by WCBC Radio
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced his office, in coordination with the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute, will offer law enforcement professionals intense training to target and reduce human trafficking.
The training will be held Wednesday, July 25, in Martinsburg and will provide attendees with valuable information about the emerging crime.
“Human trafficking is a crime that does not discriminate. Men, women and children of all ages can be victims,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Equipping law enforcement officers with the necessary skills to identify victims and eradicate this growing criminal industry is a crucial step in helping West Virginia reach her full potential.”
The training will satisfy mandatory continued education requirements for law enforcement professionals.
Changes in West Virginia law inspired the Attorney General to take the lead in combating this emerging crime.
His office drafted best practices aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking among law enforcement communities.
The first-of-its-kind initiative in West Virginia has garnered broad support from law enforcement agencies across the state including the Ceredo Police Department, Charleston Police Department, Kenova Police Department, White Hall Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney Sean “Corky” Hammers, among others.
Wednesday’s training will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.
Human trafficking is defined as commercial sex or labor that is induced by force, fraud or coercion. It is considered the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world today, second only to drug trafficking according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
West Virginia’s increased rate of drug addiction, poverty and its large number of children in foster care make the state especially susceptible to human trafficking.
The Attorney General believes the training offered by his office will equip attendees with the necessary resources to better identify suspicious activity and tackle this growing criminal industry.
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