Arnold AFB Combating Trafficking in Persons program manager urges awareness

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. —

Trafficking in persons, or TIP, is the second largest criminal activity in the world, according to the Arnold Air Force Base Installation Policy on TIP.

TIP is defined on the DOD Combating Trafficking in Persons website as: “The use of force, fraud or coercion to compel persons to provide labor or services or commercial sex. TIP involves exploitation of all types. TIP can include elements of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining a person for the purpose of exploitation.”

TIP occurs around the world, including the United States, and the Air Force has established zero tolerance for this violation of human rights.

“Human trafficking does not just happen in the movies; it’s a reality that we all must be aware of,” said Stacy Jones, Arnold Air Force Base Combatting Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) program manager.

Jones is tasked with ensuring the workforce is educated about TIP using different tools such as emails, posters and mandated training modules. This education includes informing team members of the signs that someone may exhibit if they are a victim of trafficking and to be aware of their surroundings to notice those signs when present.

“When you leave the comfort of your home, be aware of what is going on around you and take notice of anything that looks out of place; rely on your gut instincts and the training that you have taken,” Jones said. “You yourself could be a victim of human trafficking. Bottom line – if you see any of the signs of trafficking, bring it to the attention of the authorities. Do not intervene. You may want to help, but these situations are very dangerous.”

If you observe what you believe to be signs of TIP, you should report it via one of the following channels:

• Chain of command
• DOD Inspector General Hotline – 1-800-424-9098 or online at www.dodig.mil/hotline
• National Human Trafficking Resource Center – 1-888-373-7888
• Local military or civilian law enforcement

More information is available at ctip.defense.gov.