Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office Takes Stand Against Human Trafficking
In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office is launching a proactive measure to enhance its defense against human trafficking. Under the leadership of District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker, all passport agents in the office will undergo specialized training to identify and report potential victims of human trafficking who may come to the passport office for services.
This decision stems from a pressing need for heightened vigilance. The Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office processes more passport applications annually than all regional passport offices in Houston. The training will be facilitated by the Human Trafficking Division of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach in combating human trafficking.
"The Houston area, which includes Fort Bend County, is often faced with human trafficking activity due to our proximity to the US-Mexican international border. Our dedicated staff is on the front lines of keeping the citizens of Fort Bend County and the state of Texas safe from this insidious crime," stated Beverley McGrew Walker.
Human trafficking, the second largest and fastest growing criminal activity in the world, poses an alarming threat across the globe, and Fort Bend County is no exception. In Texas, a state that ranks second in the nation for the most number of cases, urgent action is required. Unfortunately, every two minutes a child is sold, with the average age of entry into this horrific trade between 12 and 13 years. Additionally, factors such as running away from home, involvement with child protective services, or past involvement in the juvenile justice system drastically increase the risk of victimization.
The Interstate 10 corridor, the number one route for human trafficking in the U.S., runs through the northernmost corner of Fort Bend County, adding another layer of complexity. The initiative by the Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office aims to align with the national effort to raise awareness and empower communities to prevent and combat human trafficking. To learn more about Fort Bend County's human trafficking prevention and intervention program, visit their website.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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