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West Virginia Attorney General Targets Human Trafficking
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia’s attorney general has drafted best practices for police in the state to address human trafficking and its coercion into prostitution and forced labor.
The Legislature passed a new state law earlier this year that sets criminal punishments and provides immunity from prosecution for minors who are victims.
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says men, women and children of all ages can be victims.
Recommended practices include free training courses for officers, field screening questionnaires for potential victims and keeping current data on confirmed cases to identify trends and responses.
Morrisey says the initiative has gotten support from police.
Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office Lt. M.A. McCray says in the recent explosion of drug-related crimes, addicts are selling themselves and others to support drug habits.