Combatting Trafficking in Persons

Trafficking in Persons (TIP) — also called human trafficking — is a crime and a human rights abuse. The DoD has a zero-tolerance policy. As an Airman, you have a duty to recognize TIP indicators and report anything suspicious through your chain of command.

This material is presented as infographic pages; the body copy below summarizes what those pages cover plus the official DoD CTIP framing.

What is Trafficking in Persons?

TIP is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person to perform labor, services, or commercial sex acts. It does not require movement across borders — trafficking can happen in the same city the victim lives in.

The three most common forms of TIP that DoD personnel may encounter:

• Sex trafficking
• Labor trafficking
• Child soldiering

What traffickers use

Traffickers compel victims to perform labor, services, or commercial sex acts using:

• Force
• Fraud
• Physical coercion
• Psychological coercion

Where DoD has seen labor trafficking

Labor trafficking has occurred in DoD contracts including:

• Food services
• Janitorial
• Truck and driver
• Security
• Construction work

Indicators

Be alert to these warning signs:

• A worker who appears to be under the control of someone else, especially a contractor or supervisor.
• Someone whose identification documents are held by another person.
• A worker who has been recruited under false pretenses — promised one job and forced into another.
• Living conditions that are unsafe, overcrowded, or effectively confined.
• A person who cannot freely leave their job site or living quarters.
• Unexplained signs of abuse, fear, or anxiety around their employer.
• Presence of minors in commercial sex environments.

What to do

Report anything suspicious that you see regarding possible TIP incidents to your chain of command.

You can also report to:

• DoD Inspector General Hotline — 1-800-424-9098
• National Human Trafficking Hotline — 1-888-373-7888 or text "BeFree" (233733).
• Local Security Forces / OSI if you witness an incident on or near a DoD installation.

Do not attempt to confront a suspected trafficker yourself. Note details (location, descriptions, vehicles) and report.