Human trafficking is a challenging issue, and many don’t believe that it could happen in their community – but it does. To speak about what trafficking looks like in Alberta and Canada, #NotInMyCity sat down with ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) CEO Supt. Marc Cochlin to talk about what human trafficking looks like, the efforts to fight back and how parents can keep their kids and teens safe. His insights shed light on the methods traffickers use, the challenges victims face, and the importance of a community-driven response.
Marc is a 27-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service and, prior to joining ALERT, he supervised the criminal investigations unit which covered homicide, organized crime and missing persons, among other areas.
ALERT operates with the intent to create safer communities and brings together 400 municipal police and RCMP members investigating everything from drugs to gang violence to human trafficking.
Traffickers and Their Tactics
Human traffickers are calculated and manipulative, exploiting the vulnerabilities of their victims. As Marc Cochlin explains, traffickers use a variety of methods to ensnare individuals, ranging from psychological manipulation to physical coercion. “They listen closely to identify vulnerabilities,” he says. “Once they understand those vulnerabilities, they exploit them, often using promises of love, security, or a better life.”
Cochlin describes the ‘Romeo’ approach as a common tactic: “It starts with trust and love, but quickly turns to debt bondage and control. Traffickers isolate victims, eroding their self-esteem and making them dependent.” This method is insidious, playing on human emotions and vulnerabilities.
Where Traffickers Operate
Traffickers often find their victims in everyday environments, such as schools, malls, and online platforms. Cochlin notes, “Traffickers look for vulnerable individuals in places where they gather, targeting those who appear isolated or lacking confidence.”
Online recruitment is also a growing concern, especially for younger children. “The internet is a dangerous place,” Cochlin warns. “It’s like letting your child swim in the ocean without knowing about the sharks.” Parents are urged to maintain open communication and monitor their children’s activities to help protect them. Anyone can be at risk.
The Community Response
A critical aspect of combating human trafficking is a coordinated community response. #NotInMyCity, in partnership with ALERT and other organizations, plays a pivotal role in this effort. Cochlin praises initiatives like the safe space or ‘soft room’ provided at Calgary International Airport (YYC) and other airports, where identified survivors can find immediate safety and support. “It’s about creating a continuum of care,” he says. “From the moment of rescue, we ensure survivors have access to wraparound resources and support. Survivors often have a mistrust of others after what they have endured, so we have to be conscious of building trust at every step.”
Cochlin also highlights the importance of safety network coordinators, who work alongside law enforcement to assist victims. “This approach frees investigators to focus on building cases while ensuring victims receive the care they need,” he explains.
Members of the public have an important role to play, particularly when they travel. Airports are a key trafficking highway and recognizing the signs of a trafficking victim can be key to ending the cycle. #NotInMyCity provides an online training course that helps the public understand trafficking and recognize the signs.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Traffickers often have immense control over their victims, making it difficult for them to come forward. “Victims are threatened, isolated, and made to feel worthless,” Cochlin says. “They don’t trust anyone, not even the hand that’s extended to help.”
Cochlin emphasizes the need for a victim-first approach: “We must prioritize rescuing the victim and providing a safe environment for them to recover. Everything else comes after.” This is a trauma-informed approach that many law enforcement agencies are moving towards. It means prioritizing empathy and understanding which can destigmatize the experience of the victim making them more likely to share their story fully with law enforcement.
A Call to Action
“Rescuing a human being is the most righteous and noble work you can do,” says Cochlin. The fight against human trafficking requires collective effort, compassion and unwavering commitment. By supporting organizations like #NotInMyCity, you can be part of this vital work. Visit notinmycity.ca to learn how you can support this cause and complete an online training program to help recognize the signs of trafficking.
Human trafficking is a pervasive and devastating issue, but with leaders like Marc Cochlin and initiatives like #NotInMyCity, there is hope. Together, we can make a difference, ensuring that every individual has the freedom and dignity they deserve.