As the energy industry is intertwined with most aspects of the global economy, vigilance against human trafficking is critical. From extraction and construction projects where workers are relocated temporarily for project-specific work, to complex supply chains that must be closely managed and monitored, to intersections with trucking and logistics, energy industry employees may encounter human trafficking.

Furthering their sustainability goals, anti-trafficking initiatives demonstrate an energy company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. On a local level, as energy companies adhere to strong safety standards and invest in the well-being of the communities in which they operate, efforts to eradicate human trafficking align with the industry’s core values.

When an 18-wheeler rolled over the scale at a northern Colorado Port of Entry, TAT-trained Officer Jeanay Angel noticed that the passenger in the truck looked significantly younger than the driver. She became suspicious and asked the girl several times if she was okay, felt safe and wanted help. The girl declined to give a clear answer.

After they left, Officer Angel ran their IDs through a national database and found an outstanding arrest warrant from Oklahoma on the driver for child sexual abuse. She contacted the first port they would be in contact with next in Wyoming, who were able to stop the truck and arrest the driver. Using a victim-centered approach, the Wyoming State Patrol paid for a hotel room for the girl for the night and connected her with TAT to learn more about warning signs of grooming and trafficking.