AG expands initiative to fight human trafficking

Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced Wednesday the expansion of Be The Solution, a statewide campaign that empowers Mississippians with tools to identify, report and end human trafficking in the state.

“Everyday Mississippians can be extraordinary heroes for a victim of trafficking. They just need to know what to look for and how to report what they see,” Fitch said.

Fitch welcomed eight new BTS partners — Entergy, Mississippi Power, the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, the Mississippi Airport Association, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, the Mississippi Port Authority and Island View Casino Resort. These partners will train their employees and distribute informational materials to customers with tools to spot and report trafficking.

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“I am incredibly grateful for these partners who are equipping their employees and customers with the tools they need to be the solution in their communities,” said Fitch. “Together, we are empowering Mississippians to stand united and send a strong and clear message to traffickers — You are not welcome here.”

Fitch also launched a statewide advertising campaign directing residents on where to report trafficking tips. This includes digital advertising, billboards, radio spots and other methods to communicate the National Hotline number, 1-888-373-7888. Tips can also be texted by sending “INFO” to 233733.

Be the Solution was launched by Fitch in June 2021 with partners The Department of Public Safety, Department of Education, Mississippi Trucking Association, Mississippi Beer Distributors Association, Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association, and KLLM.

For more information on anti-trafficking initiatives and Be The Solution, visit www.ago.state.ms.us/bethesolution.