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On September 6 & 7, 2018, Misty LaPerriere, B.S., Selah Freedom’s Outreach Coordinator & Law Enforcement Liaison and Cori Stannish, Retired Captain of the Sarasota Police Department, had the privilege of instructing 24 police departments throughout the state of Connecticut on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children for Law Enforcement. This training was held at the Connecticut Law Enforcement Academy and was hosted by Chief Thomas Flaherty, Barbara Fullenwiley and Patty Maich. Chief Marc Montimy of the Manchester Police Department was instrumental in bringing this valuable training to all law enforcement departments throughout the state. There were 66 law enforcement personnel who attended the training, which was reported to be so impactful, that it will be presented to other law enforcement later in the year. This presentation is designed for law enforcement officers and department advocates who work closely with sexually exploited young men and women as well as sex trafficking victims of all ages. With the goal of creating a connection between victims and the officers who often become the first point of contact, Selah Freedom and their team use case studies, statistics, demographics, risk factors and preventative measures to expand the tools available to those who directly connect with victims. The content of the presentation highlights identification of trafficking victims and strategies to engage the men and women who advocate for them. Captain Stannish stated, “It was an honor to be able to volunteer my time and train on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) and TYLA (Turn Your Life Around, Prostitution court diversion program) with Selah Freedom. Anytime I can share how law enforcement can make an impact in their community on the fight against human trafficking by simply collaborating with an organization like Selah Freedom, is a win/win for all.” Officers were inspired and gained a greater understanding of how to practically combat this issue. “The class was up to date and very informative. The information on human trafficking mirrors what we are currently teaching our patrol officers and is mandated by the State. It was helpful to learn more about non-governmental agencies like Selah Freedom and how we can partner with them to provide more services to victims of human trafficking,” said Sgt. David McNeice, East Windsor Police Department. “I went into the class with one-eye and came out with two. Knowledge is key,” stated Trooper First Class Michael Reidy. “This short, but to the point course should be taught in all academies as well as in our school systems with parents included in order to protect our families and to make the family structures stronger again.” Elizabeth Melendez Fisher, President/CEO of Selah Freedom shared, “Law enforcement training is one of the major initiatives not only of Selah Freedom, but also of the Selah Way Foundation. Having first responders understand what they are looking at will change our country. When law enforcement agencies become catalysts for fighting sex trafficking and exploitation and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to do so, we will be able to save so many more young lives entrapped in this life. They are a pivotal piece in the puzzle to eradicate sex trafficking plaguing our own American children.” The law enforcement departments which attended this training are: • Avon Police Department • Brookfield Police Department • Connecticut State Police • Darien Police Department • East Windsor Police Department • Enfield Police Department • Greenwich Police Department • Groton Police Department • Guilford Police Department • Law Enforcement Council of Eastern • Meriden Police Department • Monroe Police Department • New Milford Police Department • New London Police Department • North Branford Police Department • Putnam Police Department • Regional Water Authority Police • Seymour Police Department • Shelton Police Department • South Windsor Police Department • Stratford Police Department • Vernon Police Department • Wallingford Police Department • Windsor Police Department About Selah Freedom Selah Freedom is a national organization with the mission to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited through four strong programs: Awareness, Prevention, Outreach and Residential. Selah Freedom confronts the issue of sex trafficking and is upheld as the model for how to effectively bring solutions to this population. Selah Freedom’s Awareness Program has educated over half million people nationwide on the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation. Their Prevention Program equips parents, youth and those who work with them, with the tools they need to avoid being manipulated by a trafficker and successfully prevents girls and boys from being commercially sold. Our Outreach Program is active in the jail system and on the street and provides support groups, case management, and referral services to women currently in "the life", as well as a prostitution court diversion program. We partner with the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement and the judicial system to successfully reach and rescue this population. We provide a nationally renowned Residential Program for survivors of sex trafficking that includes a personalized educational plan, job placement, trauma therapy, life skills, medical and legal assistance and holistic restorative care. To learn more visit www.selahfreedom.com. For media opportunities: MJ Pedone – Indra Public Relations - (917) 319-9600 MJ@indrapr.com. ###