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More investigators, attorneys assigned to Human Trafficking Investigations Unit

More investigators, attorneys assigned to Human Trafficking Investigations Unit
Posted at 6:18 AM, Jan 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-16 06:19:12-05

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Additional investigators and attorneys are being assigned to the Human Trafficking Investigations Unit in the Indiana attorney general's office.

Attorney General Curtis Hill announced the expansion of the unit Monday as part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Hill's office says the added investigators and attorneys include former police officers and prosecutors who have extensive law enforcement experience.

The investigations unit also works to raise public awareness of human trafficking and collaborates with schools on how to spot warning signs in students.

Hill says in a release that "victims trapped in this illegal enterprise who are desperate for a better way of life need to know there is help and hope."

Via humantraffickinghotline.org, here are some tips to recognize the signs of human trafficking in your community:

Common Work and Living Conditions:

  • Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes
  • Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp / manager
  • Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
  • Works excessively long and/or unusual hours
  • Is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work
  • Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
  • Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work
  • High security measures exist in the work and/or living locations (e.g. opaque windows, boarded up windows, bars on windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.)

Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior:

  • Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
  • Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
  • Avoids eye contact

Poor Physical Health:

  • Lacks medical care and/or is denied medical services by employer
  • Appears malnourished or shows signs of repeated exposure to harmful chemicals
  • Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture

Lack of Control:

  • Has few or no personal possessions
  • Is not in control of his/her own money, no financial records, or bank account
  • Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
  • Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)

Other:

  • Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address
  • Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or of what city he/she is in
  • Loss of sense of time
  • Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story

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