August 22, 2019
WHAT: RPD is receiving 50
filled backpacks from Operation Underground Railroad to help young victims of
human trafficking
WHEN:
10:30 a.m., Friday, August 23
WHERE: RPD Second Precinct, Community Room – 177 E Belt Blvd
BACKGROUND:
The Richmond Police
Department is receiving a donation of 50 backpacks from Operation Underground
Railroad for young victims of human trafficking. The backpacks contain
comfort items for rescued victims of different ages. The items include
personal hygiene products, non-perishable foods and coloring books.
“We deal with at least a few cases of human trafficking a week and the issue is
often underreported,” said Special Investigations Division Captain Emmett
Williams. “Our goal is to provide victims a safe space once they have
been rescued, but many of them don’t have a single item in their
possession. This donation will hopefully help calm them in the
aftermath.”
Operation Underground Railroad is a non-profit which assists governments around
the world in the rescue of human trafficking and sex trafficking victims, with
a special focus on children.
“Operation Underground Railroad is
committed to providing Virginia law enforcement agencies with the tools,
training and other enhancements to bolster their child saving capabilities. We
welcome any requests for anti-child trafficking assistance as the children of
Virginia deserve to be safeguarded from those who victimize the most vulnerable
among us,” said Jon Lines, Operation Underground Railroad President
of Operations.
