The Cobourg Police Service was one of 45 police services from across Ontario that participated in Operation Northern Spotlight, a coordinated, national effort to end human trafficking.
Over a four-day period, 13 officers with the Peterborough Police Service, City of Kawartha Lakes Police, Cobourg Police Service and the Peterborough County OPP worked jointly in making contact and speaking with 15 local sex trade workers. During Operation Northern Spotlight, police met with individuals suspected of being in exploitative situations. They were provided contacts and information for community-based support agencies and were offered both immediate and future police assistance to leave the exploitation. The program is not intended to engage those who are not being exploited. “The exploitation of our vulnerable in the sex trade is very much a real issue in Peterborough that requires a multi-partner and multi-jurisdictional response including law enforcement, housing and public health,” says Sergeant Mark Elliott, Peterborough Police Service Criminal Investigation Unit. “We encourage anyone with information on suspected human trafficking to contact our police service.” From the Ontario Provincial Police: As a result of Operation Northern Spotlight, which occurred provincially over a seven day period, 45 police services throughout Ontario were able to ensure the safety of seven people who were in exploitative situations, including two under the age of 18. Forty-five charges were laid against 15 people. A total of 317 police officers, support staff and victim services professionals engaged with 218 potential victims, as part of a joint effort coordinated by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). This was part of a national operation in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Collaboration among police services is extremely important due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of human trafficking.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
