Gov. Jan Brewer.Gov. Jan Brewer and the Arizona Human Trafficking Council have launched a new website aiming to combat human trafficking, as well as introduced a training on the issue for law enforcement, a press release from Brewer's office said.
In the release, Brewer said EndSexTrafficking.AZ.gov will be a tool to encourage state residents to be a voice against the crime.
Also, starting next January, a sex trafficking training will be a requirement for all new Arizona law enforcement employees. The training will include nine classroom hours and comprehensive exams on the topic, the release said.
"It is a moral imperative that we do everything in our power to protect our state and our citizens from this horrendous crime against humanity," Brewer said in a statement. "Public awareness and law enforcement training are vital components in addressing the scourge of human trafficking."
Last year, Brewer said fighting human trafficking in the state was a top priority. She created the Task Force on Human Trafficking last April, with Cindy McCain, U.S. Sen. John McCain's wife, and Arizona Department of Homeland Security Director Gilbert Orrantia as co-chairs.
After some review into the issue, the task force recommended the state to implement a statewide public awareness campaign to educate people on sex trafficking, as well as to establish a training for law enforcement, the release said.
In April, Brewer signed legislation for tougher penalties on human trafficking. The law would target businesses, such as massage parlors and escort services, that advertise online.
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