December 4, 2018 | Vermont Edition, VPR
Nina Keck
Rutland, VT
Victims of human trafficking need help not from police but from social workers—which is why the Rutland City Police Department is hiring a case manager to connect victims to the services they need.
National data tracked more than 240 human trafficking cases in Vermont over the last decade—with dozens of new cases reported and investigated every year.
Commander Matthew Prouty with the Rutland City Police Department says in Southern Vermont human trafficking is often related to drugs and prostitution.
He says police may make the first contact with trafficking victims, but that’s not the best way to get them help.
“Cops aren’t social workers. We do our best, but I’m really looking for those professionals that come from a human service background, to really work with victims to be sort of a navigator into services,” he told Vermont Edition.
Prouty says those services range from getting a doctor’s appointment, to sorting out legal issues, to finding a job—all with no obligation to ever speak to police.
The Rutland case manager job is similar to one that also exists in the South Burlington Police Department.
Prouty says the job posting for the new position is open until Dec. 14, 2018.
Listen to the full interview above to hear more from Cmdr. Prouty about the human trafficking RCPD sees in the area and why the job will full under the purview of the city’s police department.
Broadcast live on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.
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