The University of West Alabama Police Department will host a one-day human trafficking awareness class on Wednesday, June 12. The event offers training free of charge for law enforcement, first responders, prosecutors, judges, probation officers, victim service providers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and educators.
The class, Human Trafficking 101, will be taught on the UWA campus in Livingston at Bell Conference Center, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Information includes the Alabama Uniform Integrated Human Trafficking Initiative, which is a collaborative statewide guide to best practices regarding the prevention and ending of human trafficking. The course will also offer an exploration into investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases.
“Each year law enforcement officers must have continuing education credits in order to keep their credentials,” said UWAPD Officer Josette White. “Most departments don’t have enough in their budgets for the high cost of training, and many times travel is not feasible because of the distance. We want to be a central location where distance and budgets aren’t obstacles. Ultimately, we want to be a training center that is responsive to the educational needs of our public safety colleagues.”
UWA is co-sponsoring the event with the Office of the Attorney General. APOST and CLE hours will be available, pending appropriate approval.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact UWA PD Officer Josette White at jhwhite@uwa.edu or 205-652-3602.