Human trafficking task force to be based in Decatur

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Law enforcement efforts to crack down on human trafficking down are being beefed up in Central Illinois. The Decatur City Council backing a resolution to establish the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group Task Force.

The task force will consist of the Decatur Police Department, Illinois State Police and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office. The task force will be based out of a facility located in Decatur.

“Human trafficking is everywhere,” Decatur Police Chief Brad Allen told WAND News. “Urban, rural, it’s very under reported. So yes, we believe that there’s absolutely human trafficking in Central Illinois.”

According to the United Nations’ Labour Organization, human traffickers victimize an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide.