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Securus Technologies and Community Action Against Human Trafficking

Securus Technologies, a prominent provider of technological solutions for correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies, has joined hands with In Our Backyard (IOB), leading a significant community effort aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking. This initiative was launched in response to ongoing concerns about the rising incidence of human trafficking and aims to enhance public awareness while providing necessary training to law enforcement.

In a remarkable demonstration of community spirit, more than 100 volunteers participated in distributing 10,000 Missing Children Booklets during this year's major sporting events. This outreach not only expanded public understanding of the issue but also played a critical role in the recovery of 15 missing children. Securus Technologies collaborated closely with IOB and the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, contributing to the generation of 80 verified leads which provided essential information for identifying and rescuing trafficking victims.

Kevin Elder, the President of Securus Technologies, emphasized the importance of such cooperative efforts, stating, "Major sporting events can bring heightened awareness for human trafficking. Our collaborative initiatives with community partners ensure that law enforcement agencies are better equipped to respond to this pressing issue." The unique combination of Securus’s advanced monitoring technologies and community expertise strengthens collective efforts aimed at combating this crisis and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Throughout the year, IOB continues to make invaluable contributions by training over 200 law enforcement officers, volunteers, and community stakeholders to identify various risks associated with trafficking. By providing strategic processes, IOB assists law enforcement in building cases and increasing the number of recovered survivors. Cheryl Csiky, Executive Director of IOB, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing that their joint efforts are essential for tracking leads and saving lives. "These results underscore the life-saving importance of ongoing awareness, training, and community mobilization in protecting those most at risk," she remarked.

This partnership also aligns with Securus Technologies’ commitment to utilizing its technological innovations and strategic alliances to support law enforcement initiatives aimed at public safety and victim recovery.

In an extension of this effort, Securus and IOB have launched the series, 'Defying Destiny,' a content series aimed at illuminating the harsh realities of human trafficking while celebrating the resilience of survivors. Each episode features intimate interviews with survivors sharing their powerful stories, providing viewers with valuable insights into their experiences and the path to recovery. This podcast is notably accessible to incarcerated individuals via Securus tablets, providing education and awareness that can help prevent human trafficking within correctional facilities.

For more details on the anti-trafficking initiatives by Securus Technologies and In Our Backyard, visit Securus Technologies.

About Securus Technologies

Established in 1986 and headquartered in Plano, Texas, Securus Technologies serves over 1,800 public safety, law enforcement, and correctional agencies across North America. The company has also connected over 1,000,000 incarcerated individuals with their families through innovative solutions such as phone, video connections, and e-messaging. Their secure monitoring and investigative systems assist in maintaining community safety and operational efficiency.

About In Our Backyard (IOB)

IOB stands as a leader in the fight against sex and labor trafficking for over a decade. Founded by Nita Belles, IOB empowers communities by preventing trafficking and aiding victims towards freedom. Their efforts have been pivotal in raising awareness and providing support to combat the grim realities of human trafficking across the nation.