To successfully fight human trafficking, law enforcement officers need to understand the nuances of this crime, including the tactics traffickers use and the populations most vulnerable to being victimized. They also must be fluent in human trafficking indicators, actively look for signs of trafficking when called to the scene and always employ a victim-centered approach.

In addition to investigating and prosecuting human trafficking, agencies can multiply their efforts by partnering with trained transportation professionals. Through public and targeted awareness campaigns, agencies can mobilize key industries in their states and provinces to be an extra set of eyes and ears on the roads and in communities.

TAT-trained Illinois State Police Trooper Zachary Heard pulled over a pickup truck on a traffic violation. The vehicle included a male driver and a female passenger. Trooper Heard noticed the passenger trying to make herself small, as if she were distancing herself from the driver. He also noticed drug paraphernalia and discovered a large quantity of narcotics. Narcotics detectives arrested the driver.

Meanwhile, Trooper Heard spoke with the female, who had a large tattoo in Spanish covering her forearm. While Trooper Heard spoke Spanish, he discovered the victim did not. Her explanation of the tattoo was so convoluted that Trooper Heard suspected human trafficking. He offered to connect her with resources, but she refused. Respecting her choice, he helped her get to a safe place and they exchanged numbers. A few days later, Trooper Heard called her and introduced her to a TAT survivor-leader who spoke with her about service providers in her area.