Indianapolis – Troopers and Motor Carrier Inspectors with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Indiana State Police joined neighboring states to raise awareness about human trafficking for the entire month of February. The Indiana State Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Michigan State Police take the crime of human trafficking seriously and will continue to educate the public and enforce laws that crack down on traffickers.

The goal of the month-long Tri-State Human Trafficking Initiative was to train and educate those in a position to see human trafficking taking place, such as motor vehicle drivers, public transportation companies, rest area attendants and truck stop employees. These individuals can act as the eyes and ears of Indiana’s highways, and by teaching them the signs of human trafficking and how to report it, they are yet another resource to protect humans from trafficking and exploitation.

Over the month of February, the three states distributed more than 17,000 materials that included wallet cards and brochures. They conducted 180 educational events that reached 2,446 people. 

“The terrible crime of human trafficking often goes unnoticed and unreported,” said Captain Jon Smithers of the Indiana State Police. “Educating those most likely to come in contact with these individuals is one way to combat those who condone human trafficking and empower potential victims. Through our efforts with our law enforcement partners from other states we will continue to disseminate information and hopefully save lives.”

To report a trafficking tip, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text BeFree to 233733. The toll free number is available anywhere in the US, 24/7. The hotline received calls from Indiana regarding 243 potential human trafficking cases in 2015, making Indiana the twenty seventh highest total for potential cases reported among the states.

To learn more about Human Trafficking or request a presentation for your group, business or organization contact the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division at (317) 615-7373.

Scott Roberts for www.theindianalawyer.com

The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a decision by the Delaware Circuit Court that said an 81-year-old woman needed 24-hour care supervision at a nursing facility and allowed her to return home after it found Adult Protective Services did not present sufficient evidence she was involved in a life-threatening emergency.

Norma Jackson, now 82, was placed in the Meridian Services Gero-Pyschiatric Unit and then The Woodlands Care Center after a doctor diagnosed her with dementia, possibly Alzheimer’s disease. She had gotten into a minor crash with her car and couldn’t remember her vehicle had been towed away. When police checked on her, she also could not remember for sure who the president of the United States was.

While she was at the facilities, she also kept forgetting to take her medicines and couldn’t always remember where the bathroom was, but doctors noted she was in good physical shape. The trial court entered a protective services order June 30, finding Jackson to be an endangered adult in need of protective services for 24-hour care and supervision. It ordered Jackson to remain at the Woodlands until a medical doctor determines she is ready for discharge into a less restrictive environment, and Jackson appealed.

The court said while Jackson definitely suffers from dementia, she’s been able to arrange for the bank to pay her bills, buy her own groceries, cook her own meals and bathe.

The COA said the trial court erred in its emergency order for services for Jackson because the duration of the emergency services is indefinite. The longest an order may stay in effect is 10 days. Also, Jackson did not suffer from a life-threatening emergency, as dementia does not qualify as such. “In effect, the trial court entered an involuntary protective services order that is outlined in Indiana Code section 12-10-3-21,” Judge Paul Mathias wrote.

Mathias said in an era where more and more adults are getting dementia, it takes a life-threatening emergency for an adult to be deprived of liberty, and Jackson does not qualify. She was self-sufficient and practiced good personal hygiene. Also, even if her dementia caused a threat to her life, immediate care was not needed.

The case is Norma Jackson v Indiana Adult Protective Services, 18A02-1508-MI-1075