By: Najla Alexander
The Morris County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) had held its 2nd annual Human Trafficking Poster Contest, which was open to all Morris County Middle Schools and High Schools, Morris County officials reported.
The contest raises awareness and foster outreach for those impacted by this terrible crime.
This year's winners are:
The First Place Winner for the Morris County Middle School is:
School: Mount Olive Middle School Student: Avery Greene Grade: 8 Art Teacher: Melissa Carubia Principal: James Kramer
The First Place Winner for the Morris County High School is:
School: Boonton High School Student: Ayano Miles Grade: 12 Art Teacher: Kerrie Bellisario Principal: Jason Klebez
History and Background
According to officials, in October 2020, Morris County Sheriff's Office and Bureau of Corrections members implemented a victim assistance program titled "Project Offer Help" to identify incarcerated victims of human trafficking.
Officials said that using a trauma-informed approach and a coordinated response team, correctional staff have been undergoing training on recognizing and intervening when a potential victim enters the penitentiary facility.
Under Captain Joseph Fucci's direction and with Warden Christopher Kein's support, officials say "Project Offer Help" has grown to include sworn law enforcement officers, civilian staff, and nationally recognized clinical professionals.
Selected response team members include Morris County Undersheriff Alan Robinson. He is a nationally recognized expert on sex trafficking/exploitation and has proven to be a valuable in-house resource with his extensive knowledge and training, according to officials.
Retired Detective Corporal Edwin Santana, who is a nationally recognized gang expert, has made himself available to educate staff on the correlation between gang activity and human trafficking, officials said.
Counselor Jennifer Castner, MA, uses her background in crisis response and victim services to provide training and consultation to staff.
Officials say that staff psychologist Rebecca Kooger, MA, has been working with MCSO intake staff to respond to referrals regarding potential victims.
Ongoing work
Officials say the "Project Offer Help" meets monthly for training, in conferences about suspected victims, and to discuss current national and state trends. Various local and national experts have been consulted to assist in the team's growth.
In January 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a training at the correctional facility.
The FBI's Human Trafficking Unit has expressed a desire to remain involved to provide ongoing education on victimology training.
In addition, staff members received training from local resources such as Stephanie Klotz, MSW from Morris County JBWS, and Laura Magnone, Assistant Prosecutor with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. Recently Edwin Torres, a nationally recognized gang expert, and investigator with the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation, joined the team to assist in training officials stated.
The MCSO is also working to establish a relationship with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office in Portland, Oregon, officials said, for possible collaboration.
Multnomah County began a similar victim-centered correctional facility outreach program to help connect trafficking victims to a healthier lifestyle and, according to officials, has created a database to assist in ongoing trafficker investigations and to share information with agency partners.
It is the goal of the MCSO to mirror their program, build awareness of human trafficking, and assist with dismantling trafficking operations within the community, officials said.
Victims of Crime
Human trafficking experts have determined that victims often do not seek help unless directly asked.
Suppose a victim is unwilling to speak or is still too deeply ingrained in what is known as "the life," it is the hope to validate their experience and provide basic screening and interventions. In that case, officials say a victim will hopefully be empowered to ask for help from those seeking help.
"Project Offer Help" attempts to portray law enforcement in a favorable and trustworthy light, hoping that it will show victims there is help and guidance available, officials said.
If the MCSO cannot assist a victim while incarcerated, perhaps in the future, after planting the seed for change, the victim will be open to asking the law enforcement community for assistance in achieving a safe and healthy lifestyle.
Upon accepting help, the MCSO correctional facility has established relationships with local social service providers to assist in guiding a victim to safer options, according to officials.
As emphasized by Captain Fucci, "As long as we can help one, mission accomplished."
Captain Fucci chairs the Human Trafficking Committee and is the Sheriff's Office representative at both State and Federal meetings on this topic was the first superior officer to bring a program such as "Project Offer Help," officials said, to any county correctional facility in New Jersey.
Captain Fucci works closely on the committee with Dr. Susan Neiger, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and Clinical Psychologist officials say.
The image on the left: Ayano Miles
Image on the right: Avery Greene