The Moore County Human Trafficking Task Force successfully hosted two impactful back-to-back events focused on strengthening the community’s response to human trafficking: the Counter Sex Trafficking Training for Law Enforcement on March 18 and the Central North Carolina Human Trafficking Symposium on March 19.
The two-day initiative brought together a total of 206 attendees, including 66 law enforcement professionals and 140 service providers, highlighting a strong, collaborative commitment across disciplines to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
The Counter Sex Trafficking Training for Law Enforcement featured Skull Games Training, led by Joe Scaramucci. This intensive 8-hour course equipped officers, investigators, and justice partners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, investigate, and disrupt sex trafficking operations, while prioritizing victim safety and recovery.
Following the training, the Central North Carolina Human Trafficking Symposium provided a full day of hands-on learning and collaboration. The symposium brought together law enforcement, investigators, and community partners to focus on identifying, engaging, and supporting human trafficking survivors. Attendees heard from expert panelists and presenters, including survivor speakers, as well as representatives from Skull Games, Sentinel Foundation, and other experienced law enforcement professionals and advocates.
Skull Games is a nonprofit organization that provides specialized training and intelligence support to law enforcement agencies across the country, equipping them with tools and strategies to combat human trafficking and exploitation. Their approach leverages open-source information to help identify both predators and victims, strengthening investigations and enhancing victim recovery efforts.
The Sentinel Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to targeting traffickers, protecting children, and providing crisis response to survivors globally. Their mission is to end the exploitation of underage children worldwide through prevention efforts, education, and strong partnerships with law enforcement and communities.
The Moore County Human Trafficking Task Force is co-chaired by Friend to Friend, a Moore County nonprofit whose mission is to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking rebuild their lives. Friend to Friend provides emergency shelter, case management, and advocacy services to individuals in need.
The Task Force is also supported by Gate Beautiful, a nonprofit based in Fayetteville, NC, whose mission is to offer a clear path to freedom for men, women, and children impacted by human trafficking, prostitution, or addiction. Gate Beautiful provides rapid response, case management, and individualized restoration planning to support long-term recovery.
Together, these organizations and their partners remain committed to building a coordinated community response, closing gaps in services, and raising awareness across Central North Carolina.
For more information about the Moore County Human Trafficking Task Force or future training opportunities, please contact [email protected]
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Feature photo of Moore County Human Trafficking Task Force Planning Committee from left to right: Hailey Bledsoe, Hunter Bledsoe, Shelby Thompson, Michael Arena, Crystal Alam, Jessica Fountain-Bowlus, Caitlin Terry, Iris Kelly-Wallace, and Holly Brown.
Contributed article and photo.
