Pinal County has been awarded a significant grant of $423,000 from the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to combat human trafficking. The funds, part of the Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Fund Program, will support various initiatives from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026.
The grant aims to reimburse Pinal County for costs associated with programs, equipment, and activities that reduce human trafficking, in compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes Section 26-106.
County Attorney Kent Volkmer highlighted the importance of this funding, stating, “Unfortunately, our proximity to the border, our proximity to Phoenix, and quite frankly, Tucson, where we have Final Fours, Super Bowls, and National Championship games, brings a lot of unsavory characters to our community.”
Key highlights of the planned expenditures include:
- Hosting six in-person conferences and ten webinars on anti-human trafficking topics.
- Purchasing supplies such as conference bags, books, and materials for attendees.
- Printing brochures and seminar materials.
- Acquiring pop-up banners for training events.
- Covering costs for meeting rooms, presenter travel, and fees.
- Funding Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council (APAAC) personnel for organizing and managing the events.
- Providing audio-visual support for the conferences.
This grant represents a significant investment in the fight against human trafficking in Pinal County and surrounding areas. The series of conferences and webinars are expected to enhance awareness and provide valuable training to law enforcement and other professionals working to combat this issue.
Local authorities express hope that these initiatives will lead to more effective strategies in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking, as well as prosecuting offenders.
