January 28th, 2026 Local News
Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - January is recognized nationwide as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Missouri Department of Transportation officials say their employees play a key role in identifying and reporting suspicious activity.
MoDOT Area Engineer Corbin Carlton says transportation workers are often in a unique position to notice potential signs of trafficking because of their regular presence along highways, rest areas, and transportation corridors.
New data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline shows human trafficking cases are on the rise in Missouri. In 2024, 272 cases were identified statewide, involving 539 victims. That’s up from 247 cases reported the previous year. Nationally, nearly 12,000 trafficking cases were identified last year, involving close to 22,000 victims.
Carlton says MoDOT provides specialized training to its employees to help them recognize common indicators of human trafficking and understand what steps to take when they suspect someone may be a victim. These indicators can include individuals who appear fearful, controlled by others, or unable to speak freely for themselves.
If you suspect someone is being forced to engage in any activity they cannot leave, including commercial sex, housework, farm work, or other labor, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text BeFree (233733). More information is available online. In emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Additional information about MoDOT’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found online.