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    Human trafficking knows no gender, age, or race. It can happen to anyone, and it occurs anywhere there is infrastructure to support the movement of people, including in our own communities. Since the coercion of individuals for labor or sex often happens in plain sight, the most effective prevention tool is public awareness. When informed transportation personnel and travelers are equipped to recognize and report suspected instances of the crime, they can play a critical role in interrupting trafficking and protecting potential victims.

    PennDOT was one of the first transportation agencies in the nation to train employees to identify potential trafficking situations and report concerns to authorities. All employees are required to complete human trafficking training, and the curriculum is refreshed every few years to ensure it reflects emerging trends and best practices. Our transit partners, who join us daily on the front lines, also conduct ongoing training using state, federal, and nonprofit resources.

    PennDOT partners with TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking) to place critical information directly into the hands of commercial driver’s license holders.

    As a part of this effort:

    • CDL holders receive TAT wallet cards.
    • The Pennsylvania CDL manual includes a full page dedicated to trafficking information.
    • PennDOT posts awareness materials in Driver License Centers, rest areas, and Welcome Centers.
    • PennDOT displays trafficking prevention videos on more than 200 digital screens across 75 Driver License Centers statewide.

    These actions help ensure that more eyes are trained to spot the signs and speak up, because doing so could save a life.

    Human trafficking can present in many ways. Possible indicators include:

    • Lack of control over identification, money, phone, or personal documents.
    • Another person speaking for them or closely monitors their actions.
    • Fearful, submissive, confused, or evasive behavior, including avoidance of authority.
    • Signs of abuse, neglect, or unexplained injuries.
    • Inconsistent or scripted explanations about travel, work, or personal details.
    • Unclear job expectations, unpaid or underpaid labor, excessive hours, or unsafe living or working conditions.
    • Minors traveling alone or accompanied by unrelated or overly controlling adults.
    • Use of false documents or uncertainty about travel destination.
    • Evidence of debt bondage, threats, or pressure to work or engage in commercial sex.

    If you are in Pennsylvania and suspect a potential human trafficking situation, contact the Pennsylvania State Police Human Trafficking Tipline at 888-292-1919, or email tips@pa.gov.

    Calls are answered by PA Criminal Intelligence Center Analysts, civilian state employees who have been trained to triage legitimate tips to the appropriate Organized Crime Corporal for investigation.

    In an emergency, you should always call 911 first.

    For other trafficking-related resources, check out information from our partners below:

     

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    Human Trafficking

    Human Trafficking Videos

    What is Human Trafficking?

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a Blue Campaign which helps us bring awareness to this crime. More information can be found at www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign.

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