Human trafficking awareness campaign kicks off at MSP

The MSP Airport Police Department (APD) is launching a campaign to increase public awareness of human trafficking, and airport employees are asked to play a key role.

Human trafficking involves someone being manipulated or controlled by someone else to provide labor or sex for a third person’s benefit. Airports are known to be a primary transit hub for such trafficking activity in the U.S., with victims ending up in destinations where they have no connections or support.

The APD’s multi-faceted awareness campaign aims to help spot potential human trafficking activity. The campaign will roll out over the next several months.

• November: The campaign starts with signage in restrooms and messages on MSP’s websites and media channels. A QR code on the signs leads to tips on how to help
• December: The campaign expands to include social media messaging
• January: A media event is tentatively planned during Human Trafficking Awareness Month to showcase the APD’s efforts, along with additional messaging on MSP media channels

The signage going up this month in restrooms aims to increase awareness among both passengers and employees.

“This is the first step of a broader effort to reduce human trafficking, and we need the extra eyes of airport employees to help increase the number of calls we receive about this type of crime,” said Matt Christenson, chief of the APD. “We encourage employees to remain engaged as we ramp up our efforts.”

Front-line employees who interact frequently with passengers in the terminals – including TSA agents, airline and concessions employees, and information booth volunteers – are most likely to have regular opportunities to identify victims and alert the Airport Police Department to suspicious circumstances.

Please continue to watch MyMSPConnect for additional information in the months ahead.