Attorney General Lynn Fitch, on Monday, July 24, announced the completion of a four-day human trafficking training for 28 law enforcement officers from across the state. The training included a human trafficking operation where 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,” said Fitch, “and that their agencies made this commitment to be a part of the solution to end human trafficking in Mississippi. Their courage, dedication and skill has 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 Be the Solution, Fitch’s office has trained 317 officers from across the state. The Attorney General’s human trafficking team has led multi-jurisdictional operations that have led to the rescue of 237 victims and 66 arrests, as well as countless leads in the effort to disrupt and stop trafficking operations in Mississippi.
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 Office
Jones 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 Office
Webster County Sheriff’s Office
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations also joined this Attorney General’s Office-led operation.
