Ohio has ramped up efforts to counter human trafficking in the last five years, including tougher penalties on traffickers, and more support for victims. The State Attorney General wants more to be done. Statehouse reporter Andy Chow has more.
The fight against human trafficking leans heavily on awareness, not only from the community, but also within law enforcement.
The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission is already revising its training requirements in the wake of controversial fatal police-involved shootings. Attorney General Mike DeWine is now recommending that they include more training to help officers better-identify human trafficking situations.
"It's making sure that every police officer in this state is totally on board and understanding what human trafficking is. And understands that it can be in any car I stop or any arrest I make for shoplifting," said DeWine.
DeWine's office reported 98 arrests were connected to human trafficking last year. And more than 180 people were identified as possible victims.