Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/893386
54 | SignatureMT GFPD Police Chief David Bowen is fully aware of the problem presented by sex trafficking and is actively engaged with those working to find a solution while readily admiing, "law enforcement has struggled to get a handle on this societal problem." Echoing sentiments expressed by Detective Slaughter, AG Fox, and local activists, Chief Bowen states that the eradication of human trafficking in Montana will require a multi-pronged approach. "It's got to be a group effort that entails education, prevention and law enforcement. If we never get tipped off to trafficking activity, we can't take action." Bozeman, Montana based DeliverFund (www.deliverfund.org), a non-profit, private intelligence firm, seeks to do just that. With a focus on ending U.S.-based human trafficking, DeliverFund provides law enforcement with actionable intelligence on sex trafficking activities in their jurisdictions. Founder, Nic McKinley and Senior Vice President, Jeremy Mahugh are both career members of the U.S. Special Operations community who have chosen to use their skills in the private sector through DeliverFund. ey aempt to bridge the resource gap between what law enforcement would like to do in regards to human trafficking and what their budgets allow. Following "electronic cookie crumb trails" le by pimps and other traffickers around the internet oen leads to information that they provide to folks like Detective Slaughter "who does the heavy liing" of law enforcement follow up. Since their founding, DeliverFund has provided intelligence reports to 94 law enforcement agencies, resulting in 7 traffickers being arrested, and 19 victims being freed from modern day slavery. Despite this success, Nic clearly conveys his passion for those directly impacted by trafficking when stating, "If one-tenth of the resources that go into fighting terrorism could be used to combat human trafficking, we could cut trafficking by 80% in the next 5 years." Overly optimistic? Perhaps. But when you combine the resources, experience and public backing of an action oriented detective, a motivated non-profit, and the forward-thinking leadership of an Aorney General and Police Chief who "get it", anything is possible. ~ Shane Klippenes is a husband to a woman that he still wonders how he landed, Father to 3 teenage daughters who are tougher than him, a Fire Captain / Paramedic, outdoorsman, author, speaker and all-season explorer of Montana's wilder places. www.blackleafwriting.com / Instagram @g ffr35 Face-painting, manicures and beauty treatments on picnic tables have proven to be excellent icebreakers with at-risk girls in metro areas. Relationship building is an essential component of long term success in the mission to fight poverty and keep children safe from traffickers. Veteran GFPD Detective Jesse Slaughter works tirelessly to protect children across central Montana in his role as internet crimes against children (ICAC) detective. A family man himself, his passion for justice in trafficking and sex crimes cases radiates when talking with him and is evidenced by the successful cases he has worked. MT S