CRESTVIEW — Human trafficking will take focus at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 4 at the Crestview Public Library. Inspector George S. Collins, of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, will discuss “Human Trafficking in Northwest Florida” during the library’s First Tuesday series program.
Human trafficking — illegally trading people for sexual exploitation or forced labor — occurs in all types of communities, whether large or small, urban or rural, and it has happened here in Crestview. Florida is the third top state for the practice, occurring mostly in Northwest Florida’s and south Florida’s tourism and agricultural industries, respectively.
The presentation will describe the crime, inform attendees on how they can spot victims, and explain how they can help with prevention.
Collins has investigated trafficking since 2003 and assisted other jurisdictions and states with counter-trafficking initiatives. He has been awarded the Freedom Award by the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking, has received congressional recognition for his efforts, and has served on the state curriculum panel to develop a training course on trafficking investigations.
Coffee and cookies will be served at 10 a.m.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Human trafficking presentation Dec. 4 at Crestview library