The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) recently hosted state and local law enforcement officers for a Human Trafficking Awareness Training program.

In a news release, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said the trainings are one part of the approach to combatting human trafficking as DHS agencies and offices work to investigate and prosecute traffickers as well as provide support and necessary services to victims. 

“FLETC’s work with local law enforcement across the country is essential to ensuring that law enforcement can identify and support victims and work to prevent the horrific crime of human trafficking,” Mayorkas said. 

According to the release, the Jan. 20 training program provided law enforcement officers with an in-depth understanding of the crime of human trafficking and offers case studies, videos and activities to stress the importance of a victim-centric approach.

More than 30 local law enforcement officers participated in the training, which was hosted by the Santa Fe College in Gainesville, FL.

FLETC began developing human trafficking training in late 2009, the release said. Since then, FLETC has been incorporating human trafficking awareness training into its programs for all new officers and agents. The introductory Human Trafficking Awareness Training program was officially developed in 2019.