MSP Alpena Post Presents Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar
A member of the TriPoint Church of God in Alpena saw the film “Sound of Freedom,” a true story about a man who rescues children from traffickers.
This prompted the church to request a presentation from the Michigan State Police Alpena Post about the dangers of human trafficking and how they can identify the signs of it.
“We’re kind of central to a lot of high–traffic area right here on Brooke and Grant,” said Michael Potter, a pastor at TriPoint Church of God in Alpena. “We’re known for our living nativity program as well, so just the opportunity to open up our doors to the community so they can come and be a part of this seminar.”
The MSP gave a presentation showing examples of different kinds of trafficking, and what the signs can look like if it is potentially occurring.
“If you suspect someone is being trafficked, obviously call,” said Jason Kunath, community service trooper with the Michigan State Police Alpena Post. “You can call 9–1–1 and report it. There’s a lot of resources online throughout the FBI, other organizations that it can be reported to as well, but ultimately, if you see something and you think something bad is happening to someone, if you’re afraid to intervene, at least call.”
While there have not been many cases of trafficking in northeast Michigan, people in attendance left the seminar with a better understanding of how to identify the signs.
“It’s a very rare occurrence and if it does happen, I think a lot of the times it’s not being reported because people are too afraid to come forward,” said Kunath.
While the subject matter in the presentation is horrifying and hard to be exposed to, it is a real issue and knowing the signs can help save lives.
“Getting past that idea of being embarrassed, or a topic is too sensitive to talk about,” said Potter. “Have those conversations with your children to where they feel comfortable opening up those doors and letting you in and speaking to them and sharing with them.”
Trooper Kunath says he is able to give the presentation again if someone requests it.
