The Grande Prairie Police Service has partnered up with the #NotInMyCity movement to help the fight against human trafficking in Grande Prairie.
#NotInMyCity is a movement dedicated to ending sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Canada, with a special focus on protecting the children and youth.
This commitment includes participation from both sworn members and civilian staff in specialized training to recognize the signs of human trafficking, as well as internal and external awareness initiatives across the organization.
“#NotInMyCity is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Grande Prairie Police Service in this critical fight,” says Paul Brandt, country music artist and founder of #NotInMyCity. “We are sending a clear and uncompromising message: child sexual exploitation and human trafficking are wrong, they will not be tolerated, and they have no place in our communities — not in my city, not in yours, not anywhere.”
GPPS says that human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, with 93 per cent of reported victims being trafficked domestically. GPPS added that these cases often go unnoticed or unreported due to manipulation, fear, threats from traffickers, shame, language barriers, or mistrust of authority.
GPPS Chief Dwayne Lakusta, says human trafficking remains a serious issue right here in Grande Prairie.
“Human trafficking remains a serious and evolving issue in Grande Prairie and communities across Canada.”
“Addressing it requires strong collaboration between police and community partners. By working together, we can increase awareness, strengthen early intervention, and improve our collective response to support those affected by exploitation.”
Members of the public are encouraged to learn more about human trafficking in Canada by taking a free e-learning course on the #NotInMyCity website.
