DES MOINES, Iowa – The Des Moines Police Department is watching for human trafficking as big events begin to make their way to Des Moines.
Human trafficking is an illegal exploitation of a person, with the most common forms being sexual exploitation and forced labor.
Des Moines police say a human trafficker will use someone’s vulnerability to trick them into doing acts they don’t want to do.
Des Moines Police Department Sergeant Paul Parizek said the most important thing anyone could do is if you see something, say something.
“What we want people to do is if you see someone at a hotel with a bunch of women or women going in and out of hotel rooms. If neighbors see the frequency of massage parlors to start to pick up. We’re going to be watching the internet. So if you’re setting up a date, you might be setting one up with a cop,” Parizek said.
WHO Channel 13 reports the United Way of Central Iowa is training medical and nursing staff at medical facilities throughout the Des Moines are to help survivors who are looking for medical assistance.