The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is hosting a human trafficking training conference this week in Pierre.
Attorney General Marty Jackley said it’s the first time the DCI has ever held this kind of training.
“Human trafficking happens here in South Dakota, and it is important that we all work together to address this issue,” Jackley said. “We owe it to the victims and their families.”
Around 65 organizations are taking part, including law enforcement agencies, tribes and nonprofits.
Mary Beth Holzwarth, the Human Trafficking Coordinator for the State Division of Criminal Investigation, coordinated the conference and brought in Foundation United National Training Cadre to deliver the content, according to a press release from Jackley's office.
Topics include human trafficking trends, risk factors that lead to trafficking, and navigating the Dark Web to conduct investigations. Human trafficking survivors will also speak at the conference.
“Human trafficking damages individuals, families, and communities,” Jackley said. “The key issue being stressed this week is collaboration; working together to address this serious crime.”