Feds, Neighborhood Reps at Human Trafficking Forum

METRO DETROIT, MI — Representatives of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will join the Southwest Detroit Congress of Communities Wednesday in a forum for business owners and citizens on human trafficking and other current crime threats.

Human trafficking, especially, is a problem in southwest Detroit and surrounding communities because of their proximity to the international border with Canada, Detroit Field Office spokeswoman Jill Washburn said in an email.

The forum will also focus on child abduction, which Washburn said has happened “a few” times in the area, as well as cyberstalking and other crimes.

“This event is to inform the community as to what is going on, what citizens and business owners can watch for, and to just make the community more aware, in general, so that this problem can be conquered in southwest Detroit,” Washburn said.

Specifically, the forum will address the crimes of Human Trafficking, Child Abduction, Cyber Stalking and more, as well as some of the myths and misconceptions that surround these crimes.

The forum will also inform residents on the avenues and procedures to report crimes, and provide resources and experts to teach situational awareness and crime prevention techniques.

Also on the panel are representatives from the Southwest Congress of Communities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Detroit Police Department, the city of Detroit and Crimestoppers.

Spanish and Arabic interpreters will on hand, as well, to help inform the non-English speaking citizens. There will also be activities for the kids.

The event, “Southwest Detroit Shatters Myths About Crime,” will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesay, Aug. 3, at El Kiosko Banquet Hall, 7271 Dix Road, Detroit.

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