COLUMBUS, Ohio — The first statewide human trafficking hotline in Ohio is now operational, Attorney General Dave Yost announced Monday.
The new non-emergency hotline, 844-END-OHHT (844-363-6448), allows Ohioans to submit tips about suspected sex and labor trafficking directly to law enforcement.
“The hotline is a much-needed tool in the fight against human trafficking,” Yost said. “Every phone call could be a lifeline to someone needing help.”
According to a release, the hotline is operated 24/7 by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Criminal intelligence analysts assess the information and then refer intelligence to local law enforcement agencies, human trafficking task forces and/or BCI’s Special Victims Unit.
Yost signed a letter early last year to Congress urging lawmakers to increase funding to improve the national hotline. According to Yost’s office, the letter was sent after it was discovered that tips hadn’t been shared with states for several months.
“Having a locally operated, round-the-clock resource means providing critical tips to law enforcement in real time,” Yost said. “It means our officers and task forces have a better shot at rescuing victims and bringing traffickers to justice.”
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