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District Investment Helps Transform Law Enforcement’s Fight Against Human Trafficking

The Rotary Club of Columbus welcomed an important and timely program last week focused on the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the role specialized law enforcement training plays in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Bobbi Star - Rotarian, Co-Founder, and Executive Director of Micah’s Promise - introduced the program, while Jason Dennis facilitated a distinguished panel featuring Joseph Austin of the Columbus Police Department, Captain Johnny Middlebrooks of the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, and Mike O’Keefe of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Together, the panel discussed the topic, “End Human Trafficking: A Law Enforcement Report.”

Over the last two years, Rotary District 6900 has made a significant investment in combating human trafficking through specialized training for area law enforcement officers. Through the District’s End Human Trafficking Committee, $15,000 was provided to bring nationally recognized trainer Dan Nash to Columbus. The Rotary Club of Columbus partnered in the effort by providing the venue and hospitality for the training event.

Each officer shared how the training challenged long-held misconceptions and transformed the way they investigate cases, prosecute offenders, and interact with victims. They spoke about learning new communication techniques that help victims open up and emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and the community.

“The training made us look at victimology completely differently,” the officers shared, explaining how understanding trauma has changed their approach to investigations and survivors.

Bobbi Starr noted that a significant shift is occurring in the fight against trafficking, with greater focus being placed on pursuing the buyers who drive the industry. She also emphasized that many of the girls served through Micah’s Promise are commercially sexually exploited children and that without intervention, many victims of childhood exploitation become adults trapped in prostitution.

The panel expressed gratitude for Rotary’s investment in law enforcement education and highlighted the importance of collaboration between community organizations and law enforcement to protect the most vulnerable.

President Alan Harkness also recognized Past President Meredith for her leadership in securing the grant that funded the Dan Nash training, helping make this transformative program possible.

Posted by LeighAnn DiCesaris
June 26, 2026

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