The attorney general’s office has provided an update on Mississippi’s fight to stop human trafficking operations in the state.
After completing a four-day human trafficking training course on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, 28 new officers have been equipped to help disrupt the rising human trafficking epidemic. The training included an operation in which five victims were rescued and multiple leads were uncovered that may result in future arrests and additional victims being recovered.
“I am grateful these 28 officers stepped up to participate in our specialized training, and that their agencies made this commitment to be a part of the solution to end human trafficking in Mississippi,” Attorney General Lynn Fitch said. “Their courage, dedication, and skill have already led to victims being recovered and criminal operations disrupted. With their continued efforts, I am confident we can stop this heinous crime and help victims become survivors.”
Since launching the “Be the Solution” campaign in 2021, the AG’s office has trained 317 officers from across the state. The human trafficking team has led multi-jurisdictional operations that have led to the rescue of 237 victims and 66 arrests.
Officers from the following agencies were part of the training and operation:
- 186th Security Forces Squadron (Military Police)
- Baldwyn Police Department
- Biloxi Police Department
- Columbia Police Department
- Forrest General Hospital
- Hattiesburg Police Department
- Hinds County Sheriff’s Office
- Jackson County Sheriff’s OfficeJ
- ones County Sheriff’s Office
- Lamar County School District
- Lamar County Sheriff’s Office
- Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office
- Meridian Police Department
- Mississippi Board of Massage Therapy
- Mississippi Department of Corrections
- Mississippi Gaming Commission
- Pike County Sheriff’s OfficeWebster County Sheriff’s Office
The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations also joined in the AG office’s operation.
