How a community stands up to trafficking and exploitation

Operation Light Shine officially launched the West Alabama task force in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, gathering senators, mayors and law enforcement officials to mark the start of a new fight against child exploitation and human trafficking in the region.

Through this partnership, local agencies receive the expertise, technology and funding needed to fill critical resource gaps in trafficking enforcement.

The task force also opens doors for University of Alabama students to learn about online dangers and observe active case work directly from professionals.

Launching a task force is the first step. Sustaining it takes supporters who show up.