From Tribune staff reports
IRONDALE, Ala.–The City of Irondale hosted over 125 first responders from across the state for a training last week designed to help police, fire, and EMS personnel recognize, rethink, and respond to human trafficking situations, particularly with child victims.
Courtesy of the City of Irondale.
“With major interstate highways running through our city, we have made it a priority to ensure our Irondale first responders are equipped with the skills and insight to effectively recognize and respond to human trafficking situations,” stated Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr.
“Our goal is to be leaders in tackling this issue, so we’re proud that we were able to come together with other partners and experts to host a training that is open to first responders from across the state.”
The training was held from Aug. 27-29 at the Irondale Civic Center , and attendees had the option of attending the full 8-hour training course on each of those days.
Course topics included federal and state laws on human trafficking, case studies, response protocols, evidence collection, victim advocacy, and more.
Courtesy of the City of Irondale.
Information about working with victims was provided by UAB, Children’s Hospital, and local victim advocacy groups.
The training was hosted by the Irondale Police and Fire Departments in partnership with Irondale’s own Mitch Pledger Youth Development Organization, the Child Trafficking Solutions Project, Children’s Aid Society, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Courtesy of the City of Irondale.
