Oxford law enforcement discuss human trafficking at town hall

OXFORD, Ala. ( WIAT ) — An Anti-Human Trafficking Town Hall was held Monday evening in Oxford to speak on the risks of human trafficking and what parents should look out for to protect their children.

A group of five panelists, made up of law enforcement and human trafficking victim advocates, spoke about the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of spreading awareness about it.

In a 2019 UAB article , writer Dianna Bai called the I-20 corridor a “hotbed for human trafficking.”

“Oxford sits right in the middle of it. So, it’s a lot more potential to have someone you can come in counter with that could be a victim of human trafficking,” said investigator Jaclyn Willis.

Willis was among the panelists that spoke about this at Monday’s Anti-Human Trafficking Town Hall. Sharing insight on the dangers of human trafficking while also debunking the myths.

“People think that it’s a big white van that comes and snatches kids up and that’s not what’s happening these days,” said Willis.

Jessica Smith with United Way of East Central Alabama works alongside human trafficking victims. She said tactics used by human traffickers have evolved throughout the years and they’re often focusing in on technology.

“We lock our doors at night, but we don’t lock our devices. They’re grooming them online,” said Smith.

St. Clair County Investigator Christopher Johnson says with this comes signs to look out for because you never know who may be a victim.

Click here for more information about human trafficking.

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