NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — NJ Transit and the state's Office of the Attorney General are working together to draw attention to the crime of human trafficking.
At Newark Penn Station on Monday, NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett signed the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking pledge and announced the launch of an anti human-trafficking campaign, reaching system-wide with public service ads at transit stations and on social media.
The U.S. Department of Transportation created the anti-trafficking pledge to help transit agencies educate the public about the issue and communicate strategies for preventing it.
“Too often, when someone suspects human trafficking, or is being trafficked, they don’t know how to get help,” Attorney General Matt Platkin said, in a statement released before the announcement. “The NJ Transit initiative being announced today further ensures that our residents and visitors are safe from exploitation and victimization.”
The campaign, a collaboration of NJ Transit, the attorney general's office, and NJ Transit police called “Human trafficking isn’t always easy to spot,” encourages riders to report suspected incidents of trafficking, directs victims to support and resources, and educates the public about how best to intervene.
Officials say it's is a timely message to get out as New Jersey will host several high-profile international events, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 this summer and FIFA World Cup 2026 next summer at MetLife Stadium, which present increased opportunities for human trafficking amid the influx of visitors and heightened activity.