Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - The Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Division is furthering its mission to promote safety on Nevada’s highways with the launch of a new, statewide anti-human trafficking campaign across multiple platforms now through October 10.
Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), the Nevada Trucking Association (NTA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have combined efforts with the Nevada Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division to educate commercial vehicle drivers on identifying the signs of human trafficking while positioning State Troopers as a resource to help human trafficking victims.
Human trafficking is defined as when human beings are purchased and sold for forced labor or sexual exploitation. The UNLV Center for Crime and Justice Policy reported Nevada tied for ninth in the nation for human trafficking cases reported in 2017, with the state’s average of 89 percent exceeding the national average of 71 percent.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime against humanity, and with our allied partners, we will work together to address it immediately,” said Nevada Highway Patrol Colonel Anne Carpenter. “The DPS Highway Patrol is grateful for our partners at Truckers Against Trafficking, Nevada Trucking Association and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in joining our fight here in Nevada. Together, we will be one step closer to protecting and saving the lives of human trafficking victims across the state.”
Campaign efforts will be focused in rural areas, on open highways, near truck stops and on state lines along Interstates 15, 515, 80, along with SR 395 and SR160. Messaging will be amplified through PSAs on radio stations, social media outlets, including Facebook, outdoor billboards, and earned media efforts.
For additional information and to follow along with the campaign, please visit here.