January 14, 2022 3:40 a.m.

The Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force and Mercy Foundation are collaborating to support police efforts with human trafficking.

A release said partnerships between police, the community and victim service agencies are a valuable combination that can help police identify human trafficking and predatory behaviors towards youth. This collaboration can also assist in strategies that help coalitions and task forces to not only identify victims but to prevent local youth from becoming victims by designing effective online stings.

The release said one of the strategies that allows for predators to be identified and arrested was helped this year by Mercy Foundation’s 2021 Virtual Festival of Trees. Through its fundraising efforts, enough money was raised to purchase much needed software and tools for both the Sutherlin and Myrtle Creek police departments, totaling over $25,000.

These mobile forensic investigative tools and software will aid investigators in identifying predators and prevent the victimization of vulnerable youth. The tools will increase both agencies ability to quickly search, collect, preserve and store evidence in investigations and will help save time, money and resources.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month. The Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force will have a public awareness event on January 20th at Roseburg Cinema. The feature film, “I Am Jane Doe”, which chronicles the battle several American mothers are waging on behalf of their middle school daughters, who are victims of sex trafficking online. Doors will open at 6:15 with a short presentation at 6:45 p.m. before the film is shown. Vouchers for refreshments will be offered and the event is free of charge, but space is limited, so residents should come early. For more information, call 677-4818.