RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — As an effort to continue to stop human trafficking, Virginia State Police is highlighting a texting tip-line and web form to allow individuals to anonymously tip officials.
The number is 847-411. Type VSP followed by the tip. Web tips can be submitted through the tip411 web portal.
“The public plays a crucial role with helping state police identify both those perpetuating this crime and those being trafficked,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, in a release. “The free text and web tip sites give victims and the public a safe and secure way to report human trafficking. We especially want those being trafficked to come forward and use either of these tools to secure your freedom and safety. It is an opportunity for you to take back control of your life.”
In December, the Virginia Capital Area Human Trafficking Task Force concluded an operation targeting potential human trafficking in several localities within the Richmond area. The undercover operation took place Dec. 12, 2023, through Dec. 18, 2023, and yielded 16 arrests in Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties.
Anyone observing any of the following indicators of potential human trafficking is encouraged to use the tip411 app or website link to share information with the Virginia State Police:
- Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
- Has a child stopped attending school?
- Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
- Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
- Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
- Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
- Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
- Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
- Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
- Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
- Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
- Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
- Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.