Chief Bill Fordy told police services board yesterday they are expanding community partnerships
Another step being taken by Niagara Regional Police to fight human trafficking.
Chief Bill Fordy told the police services board meeting yesterday they met with Niagara Health recently, to increase the number of community groups helping against this crime.
Inspector Steve Magistrale says victims may go to family or friends, but also shelters. "Now, if the hospital is starting to get information that potentially human trafficking may be involved in a patient that they're dealing with, then how can they assist? They're very clear on how they can assist medically, but how can they assist once the person leaves the hospital?"
He adds this is not just a police issue, but a community one in which more conversation is needed to remove any secrecy of this crime.
He also says while a victim shows up at a hospital, helping that person can still be a problem..
"If their wishes are that they don't want police involved right now, for whatever reason, then we have to try to be able to support that person, recognizing that maybe police are not involved in this initial assessment, but at some point can police become involved."
Niagara regional police is dedicating more resources to its human trafficking unit.
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