THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Police Department is helping to spread awareness during the observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month by promoting a national campaign. 

On January 11, law enforcement personnel plan to wear blue as part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign.

“This will help to not only bring awareness to the issue but hopefully encourage people to educate themselves about the signs of human trafficking,” said Cpl. Crystal Parker, TPD spokesperson.

Parker noted that there’s a misconception that trafficking doesn’t happen locally, but recent data proves otherwise.

According to the Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center, in 2021 there were 11 reported interviews with children that involved sex trafficking allegations. 

With the wear blue day campaign, Parker hopes residents can come together to become more educated on the local issue. 

“If people are more educated about it, they’re more likely to recognize when these things are happening in front of them, so they might be able to help somebody out at some point,” she said.

Parker encourages anyone who chooses to wear blue on January 11 to also post pictures on social media with the hashtag #Wearblueday.

“We can be a part of a much bigger organizational mission if we participate in this,” Parker said.