Human Trafficking in the Bayou State

By Sgt. Gregory Handy Jr., Louisiana State Police Transportation Safety Services

Human traffickers take heed: the Louisiana State Police Transportation Safety Services (LSPTSS) are vigilant and ready to combat your illicit activities. While you may believe you’re eluding law enforcement, the dedicated troopers of the LSP-TSS are committed to ensuring justice prevails. If you exploit vulnerable individuals, rest assured the Louisiana State Police will show you that good always defeats evil.

A 24-year veteran trooper from LSP-TSS recently encountered a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a juvenile in the passenger seat while conducting routine inspections at one of the state's stationary scale facilities. While passengers in CMVs are not unusual, the presence of a minor warranted further investigation. After interviewing both the driver and the juvenile, the trooper arrested the driver for Carnal Knowledge and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile. The juvenile was safely placed under the care of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

The LSP-TSS section remains resolute in its mission to enhance the identification, prevention, reporting, enforcement and public awareness of human trafficking within the commercial transportation sector. While significant progress has been made, our work is far from over. LSP’s Special Victims Unit has equipped all inspectors with specialized training on identifying human trafficking, supplemented by intelligence resources from the LSP Fusion Center.

Public outreach is a cornerstone of our efforts. Through a comprehensive education campaign, we strive to inform the public about recognizing signs of human trafficking and how to report suspected activity. We encourage you to view our latest public service announcement on human trafficking at www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice/ videos/1909586549482045. Be sure to follow our Facebook page for regular updates on human trafficking prevention and other safety initiatives.

It is critical to remember that human trafficking is one of the most egregious human rights violations of our time. This modern-day form of slavery victimizes millions of women, children and men globally, and the fight to end it requires collective action. Law enforcement cannot do this alone; we need the public’s assistance as our eyes and ears on the roadways. Together, we can make a difference. If you see something, say something.