By: Rich Rodriguez
Human trafficking is nothing new. It's just Fresno Police and allied agencies are taking a more active role to combat the problem. The most noticeable human trafficking is the sex trade involving prostitutes.
Prostitutes have been walking the streets of Fresno for decades. But where they strut is subject to change. Sgt. Curtis Chastain says many girls aren't from here. "The girls are recruited from everywhere under the sun. They're recruited from out of the country and within the country. Locally they're recruited out of places such as foster homes. Runaways are a big number."
Sadly many of these working girls strike up a relationship with a pimp. When things go south, they wind up on the street.
Jody Ketchside is the project manager for Central Valley Against Human Trafficking. "There's a definite sense of fear. They're terrified to leave. They're beaten and ultimately controlled."
Fresno Police are working with a Central Valley coalition to curb human trafficking. Last year they got a half a million dollar state grant to attack this growing problem. Sgt. Chastain says hookers are treated like cattle sporting tattoos like a brand on a cow. "It's common for pimps to encourage and talk the girls into getting tattoos either with their names or a nickname or a moniker of the pimp."
Sgt. Chastain is a sixteen year veteran working vice. In the last three months he says Fresno Police have investigated 120 cases that could be associated with human trafficking. What can the average citizen do to help? Jody Ketchside says speak up. "Follow your gut. There are instincts that we're all gifted with. When something doesn't seem quite right ask questions."
There are two Human Trafficking Hotlines to report incidents anonymously. The local hotline is (559) 621-5950. The national hotline is 1-888-373-7888.
