Sheriff's Office Joins Blue Sand Project for Human Trafficking Awareness

SAN ANGELO, TX - The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office is participating in the Blue Sand Project during Human Trafficking Awareness Month with Open Arms San Angelo. 

"The blue sand filling the cracks reminds us that we will not allow the victims to fall through the cracks and hope you will join us in raising your awareness of this issue," the Sheriff's Office stated. 

As part of this awareness campaign, the U.S. Department of State provides human trafficking indicators. The department states that everyone possesses the potential to identify a human trafficking situation. 

Despite victims often being concealed behind locked doors, they can also be hidden in plain sight at places like construction sites, restaurants, elder care centers, nail salons, agricultural fields, and hotels.

Traffickers employ coercion tactics, such as threats of deportation or harm to the victim or their family, creating an environment of fear that hinders victims from seeking help, the information stated.

While not exhaustive, here are some key red flags to alert individuals to potential trafficking situations that warrant reporting:

• Living with employer
• Poor living conditions
• Cramped living spaces with multiple people
• Inability to speak to individuals alone
• Scripted and rehearsed answers
• Employer withholding identity documents
• Signs of physical abuse
• Submissive or fearful behavior
• Unpaid or underpaid work
• Individuals under 18 engaged in prostitution

If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. This 24-hour, toll-free, multilingual hotline enables individuals to report tips, connect with anti-trafficking services, and request training and assistance.

It was previously reported that the San Angelo Police Department is also participating in the Blue Sand Project.