The more we learn about human trafficking, the greater the concern

We shake our heads, shocked that such a thing still exists in the land of the free. Surely not here! We blame the victims, because we don't want to believe that this cruel business thrives in our community. After all, they wouldn't be victims if they hadn't put themselves in such a vulnerable position, right? But the evidence is irrefutable. Very likely as you read this, activity of this sort is occurring right here in our backyard.

Because they operate underground and through intimidation, the exploiters often escape detection. Until very recently, most law enforcement officers had little guidance in how to spot these illegal operations. And so the cycle continues.

The victims, too, are people who fail to gain our attention:

Runaways seeking … what? … acceptance, love, a better life, enticed by a seemingly sympathetic pimp who promises to take care of them, but who doesn't let on that once in, they cannot leave. Illegal immigrants looking for a new life in the land of plenty, only to find themselves toiling away for paltry wages and living in squalor.

Awareness is the first step in rooting out the exploiters. An ongoing effort to teach police officers and deputies how to spot the subtle signs of human trafficking – they can be as simple as a strategically placed tattoo that marks a young woman as the pimp's property – should keep law enforcement on alert. Port workers and motor vehicle inspectors should keep a sharp eye out for cargo containers that may contain people instead of products.

Most of all, law enforcement agencies must make uncovering trafficking a higher priority.

A conference in Raleigh last week that brought together a variety of law enforcement, government and advocacy groups is a good start. Often agencies don't talk to one another. Better cooperation and coordination are necessary, because the exploiters are very good at avoiding detection.

The director of an organization that has been working for years to fight sex trafficking was especially pleased to see federal officials participating so prominently. These activities cross state lines; state and local officials cannot make a dent in human trafficking operations without considerable federal support.

Here in North Carolina, however, the General Assembly has taken steps to impose tougher punishment on people convicted of sex trafficking. State Sen. Thom Goolsby, R-New Hanover, championed legislation that seeks to warn traffickers that they'll be harshly punished if caught here.

As with all illegal businesses, there would be no profit without a market. A greater focus is also needed on punishing those who pay the exploiters to provide slave labor or prostitutes. They are just as guilty as the pimp or labor trafficker in allowing this sordid business to prosper.