NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 10, 2009
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420
INSPECTOR GEORGE COLLINS EARNS FREEDOM AWARD
Inspector George
Collins of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is a recipient of the 2009
Freedom Award from the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Each year,
FCAHT recognizes organizations or individuals for their valuable work and
support for combating human trafficking
in the state of Florida
FCAHT Director Anna Rodriguez says Collins was selected unanimously by
the staff for his "leadership, compassion, and dedication to protecting victims
of human trafficking".
In addition to
rescuing and assisting victims of trafficking in Northwest Florida, Collins has
been called upon by law enforcement authorities in New Mexico, Texas, and other
parts of Florida to assist in developing counter-human trafficking efforts and
curriculum.
Human
trafficking is using force, fraud, or coercion to obtain a person for labor or
services, including commercial sex acts, and is considered the modern form of
slavery. It takes place within and across borders. The U.S.
State Department estimates
that 17,000 people are trafficked into
the United States each year. Internationally, nearly 80 percent of the victims
are women and girls, and up to fifty percent are children under the age of 18.
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