Hotels and motels across Detroit must now put up signs that offer help to human trafficking victims. The City Council passed this law back in May 2024. Monday marked the day the first sign appeared at the Crystal House motel, sitting at Eight Mile and Greenfield roads.
Council member Angela Whitfield Calloway announced the placement at this location. The spot marks a major entry point into Detroit. “Shedding light on human trafficking is critically important,” said Calloway according to The Detroit News. “It is our mission to educate as many people as possible, because there is no single way a trafficked individual may appear.”
The signs pose direct questions. Has someone forced you to do things against your will? Does anyone watch and control your every move? Victims can call the national hotline or send a six-digit text. Detroit Police have their own Human Trafficking hotline at 313-596-1630, printed right on each sign.
Chief Todd Bettison spoke Monday about trained staff who will pick up these calls. He thinks hundreds of places will display the signs. The city provides them at no cost.
The law sets clear rules. Signs must measure at least 7 inches by 9 inches. They go in lobbies and other busy spots. Three languages appear on each: English, Spanish, and Arabic. Any business that spots suspected trafficking must contact the department.
The timing matters. Crowds will soon flood in for the North American International Auto Show. Detroit sits near highways and international borders, making it attractive to traffickers during big events, according to authorities.
“We’re going to be out there and we’re educating the public and the community that if something feels off to notify us,” Bettison said per WXYZ. His officers work both in uniform and undercover to stop trafficking.
“If there’s one person being trafficked in our city, that’s one too many,” Calloway said.
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