WKSU News: Ohio attorney general says more can be done to prevent human trafficking

Tuesday, July 28, 2015 Ohio attorney general says more can be done to prevent human trafficking DeWine recommends more training to help officers identify human trafficking by WKSU's ANDY CHOW	Reporter Andy Chow

DeWine’s office reported 98 arrests were connected to human trafficking last year.

Courtesy of Ohio Attorney Generals Office

In the past five years, Ohio has ramped up its vigilance on human trafficking, from increasing penalties for traffickers to adding support for victims. But as Statehouse correspondent Andy Chow reports, Ohio’s attorney general believes more can be done.

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The fight against human trafficking leans heavily on awareness, not only from the community, but within law enforcement.

The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission is already revising its training requirements in the wake of controversial fatal police-involved shootings. Attorney General Mike DeWine is now recommending that they include more training to help officers better-identify human trafficking situations.

“It’s making sure that every police officer in this state is totally on board and understanding what human trafficking is. And understands that it can be in any car I stop or any arrest I make for shoplifting,” said DeWine.

DeWine’s office reported 98 arrests were connected to human trafficking last year. And more than 180 people were identified as possible victims.