Jan 29, 2020
CLEVELAND -- Officials from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) will be featured speakers at the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking event to be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., January 29 at Louis Stokes/Windermere RTA Rapid Station. The program highlights the collaboration of multi-disciplinary organizations addressing the reality and prevalence of human trafficking in Northeast Ohio.
RTA has been working with the Collaborative for the last several years to help bring awareness, and RTA provides practical help to keep Greater Clevelanders safe:
- Safe Place makes every bus and train a refuge for anyone at any age seeking help. By simply getting on board, those who feel they are at risk can ask any operator for assistance. Bus and rail operators immediately connect to Transit Police or supervisors, who then connect youth or adults to resources which can provide shelter, safety and assistance.
- Transit Police can be reached 24/7. Call them at 216-566-5163, and become familiar with safety guidelines.
- "See Something, Text Something" campaign allows customers to send texts, photos or video directly to Transit Police dispatchers at 216-575-EYES (3937).
- Human Trafficking awareness efforts are promoted on RTA vehicles and through Transit Police outreach efforts.
"Since 2013, RTA has successfully worked to help raise awareness of the horrific reality of human trafficking," said RTA CEO and General Manager India Birdsong.
"We make sure operators are trained to spot indicators of human trafficking, which can include people who seem to be denied freedom of movement, who appear coached in talking to authorities, or who don't have identification. RTA operators have instant access to Transit Police dispatchers, who can be on the scene within minutes to provide assistance," she said.
RTA has cameras on every bus and train and at rail platforms, transit centers, parking lots and other select locations, she added. "Cameras work as a deterrent to crime, and as a significant asset in solving crime."
For more information about the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, please visit https://www.collabtoendht.org/ or contact them at (440) 872-6500, collabtoendht@gmail.com, P.O. Box 161171, Rocky River, OH 44116.