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Officials call Florida a "hub" for human trafficking

By Lynn Hatter

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-997672.mp3

Tallahassee, FL – Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials say human trafficking is becoming a major concern in the state with some experts calling Florida a "hub" for the crime. The FDLE held a training session Monday to teach a room full of law enforcement officers how to spot signs of human trafficking. Regan McCarthy has more.

Human trafficking is not just a problem for foreigners, but for U.S. citizens as well that's according to Terry Coonan, the Executive Director of Florida State University's Center for the Advancement of Human Rights.

"Often times teenaged run-away girls who often times within about 48-hours are already in contact with a pimp. And we're seeing thousands of these girls on Florida streets, all of whom are sex trafficking victims."

Coonan says human trafficking is also taking place in what may appear to be legitimate businesses like hotels and resorts. Coonan says one sign of human trafficking is when someone tries to limit another person's contact with the outside world. Citizens can report suspected human trafficking to the hotline number 1-888-373-7888.