City Councilmember, Mayor & Detroit Human Trafficking Task Force install Human Trafficking Helpline & DPD signage at Crystal House Motel

• Installation of the City's official Human Trafficking Awareness signage as part of ongoing prevention and public education efforts

Councilmember Angela Whitfield Calloway (District 2), joined by Mayor Mary Sheffield and members of the Detroit Human Trafficking Task Force, installed the City's first official Human Trafficking Awareness signage today.

The sign, now displayed at the Crystal House Motel at 20490 Greenfield Road in District 2, provides the toll-free telephone number for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center and the Detroit Police Department's designated reporting number.

"This gives anyone experiencing or suspecting exploitation a clear lifeline and lets traffickers know that the city has zero tolerance for human trafficking," said Councilmember Angela Whitfield Calloway.

The task force, established by Councilmember Calloway during her first term, advises on policy, coordinates cross-sector responses, and advances citywide education efforts to combat human trafficking. The signage was installed pursuant to the City's hotel signage ordinance, which requires lodging establishments to post signage measuring at least seven inches by nine inches. The ordinance was unanimously adopted by the Detroit City Council in May 2024.

"My administration is committed to putting Detroiters first and protecting those who have been victimized," said Mayor Mary Sheffield. "Today is a reminder for those experiencing or suspecting exploitation, that there is support available right now - all you have to do is call. It also is a warning for those who exploit vulnerable individuals that the City of Detroit has a zerotolerance policy for trafficking. I am grateful to the members of the Human Trafficking Task Force and to Councilmember Calloway for her leadership on this important issue."

Echoing the Mayor's message, Detroit Police Chief Todd A. Bettison highlighted the City's commitment to enforcement.

"I am proud to stand with Councilwoman Calloway in her efforts to stop Human Trafficking here in the city of Detroit," Bettison said. "Human Trafficking is a serious crime. No person should ever be held against their will or forced to do any labor, whether it be for work or a service such as commercial sex. Those who are found exploiting these acts, I will see to it myself that they are held accountable. And I will work diligently with Councilwoman Calloway to ensure all Detroit lodging establishments comply with the Human Rights Division and that the proper signage is placed inside the establishment's lobbies and other high-traffic."

About the Detroit Human Trafficking Task Force
Established in 2022, the Detroit Human Trafficking Task Force brings together DHS Homeland Security Investigations-Detroit, the Detroit Police Department, Covenant House, Alternatives for Girls, Sparrow Freedom Project, Avalon Healing, Elli's House, and Haven Homes of Detroit. The task force works collaboratively to advance prevention efforts, strengthen protections for survivors, and increase public awareness across the city.