July 30, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Detective Ricky J. Lynn, LevelUp 911 Training
This one-hour presentation, led by Rick Lynn of LevelUp 911 Training, focused on the prevalence of human trafficking in the United States, highlighting that it is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the country, generating over $52 billion annually. Lynn defined the two primary types of trafficking — forced labor and commercial sex — and described the characteristics traffickers look for in potential victims, often targeting individuals with unmet basic needs.
A key component of the presentation was the explanation of how traffickers use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to manipulate and control their victims. By meeting lower-level needs such as food, shelter and affection, traffickers create a false sense of security while preventing victims from achieving autonomy or higher-level personal growth. Lynn also shared practical guidance specific to the 9-1-1 profession, offering examples of questions that dispatchers can ask during calls to help identify potential trafficking situations. As Lynn emphasized, “Knowing the right questions to ask makes all the difference in the world.”
This informative session gave attendees a clearer understanding of how human trafficking operates, the psychological tactics traffickers use, and the critical role emergency communications professionals can play in recognizing and responding to these cases.
Written by April Smith
