Sturgis, S.D. (KELO) –The 84th Sturgis Rally is a time for motorcycle enthusiasts from across the globe to gather for a good time.
But the event is also a popular place for human trafficking, according to those who are working to raise awareness.
As rallygoers pack the streets, several groups will be keeping their eyes on the crowds to spot potential human trafficking victims.
“It’s just really letting people know what to look for. And not just that, but to let traffickers know we are aware. Everybody’s watching, so we just don’t want you here,” West River Human Trafficking Co-Chair Lisa Gennaro said.
The benefit of working with several other entities such as Native Hope, Ellsworth Air Force Base, the Sturgis police, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department helps everyone tackle this cause from different angles and continues to spread the message that if you see something, say something.
“Because the more eyes and ears we have the better intel that we have, the better the response we have and then my agency is responsible for those resources. So that if those victims are identified, we are able to surround them with services to help start that healing journey.” South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault Program Coordinator Tanya Krietlow Said
While spotting those involved might be difficult due to the crowds all blending in together, there are some tells.
“Some of the things to watch for is, you know, if you see somebody younger that may look shy, they can’t speak without somebody telling them they can. They don’t have an ID on them, you know, they just never look at you. There are certain signs to kind of watch for,” Gennaro said.
“Somebody who looks like they’re going somewhere against their will. Somebody who may appear to be not in consent of what’s happening in that situation. A simple phone call to your local law enforcement for them to decide and determine if it is, in fact, nefarious or something illegal goes a long way, because they build intel on those calls,” Krietlow said.
Gennaro has been working hard to establish communication across communities to better solve this problem.
West River Human Trafficking will be sharing information and bringing more awareness throughout the rest of this year’s Sturgis Rally.
