Virginia to host three-day Human trafficking initiative at truck stops

An event to raise truck driver awareness about human trafficking will be held by the Virginia State Police next week.

From Monday, April 18, 2022 to Wednesday, April 20, 2022, VSP will hold an “Operation Safe Passage” event, a campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking in the trucking industry.

For three days, VSP vehicle security personnel will interact with drivers at truck stops, rest areas and vehicle service centers. Their mission is to disseminate information and educational materials about human trafficking in freight transport.

“Preventing human trafficking and providing support to its victims have been a priority of Governor Youngkin and his administration since stepping into office in January,” said Public Safety Virginia Secretary Bob Mosier. “I am extremely pleased to see the Virginia State Police taking an aggressive and active stance towards addressing what has become a global pandemic. Virginia has no tolerance for the exploitation of any human being, and is committed to apprehending, prosecuting and bringing to justice anyone associated with this crime.”

“With tens of thousands of commercial trucks and buses traveling through and across Virginia on any given day, this statewide initiative has extensive, life-saving potential,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Commercial drivers can be our added eyes and ears when it comes to identifying the common indicators of human trafficking victims and perpetrators. This campaign is about putting an end to a very serious crime that intentionally preys on vulnerable adult and juvenile populations.”