The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and Canadian country music artist and #NotInMyCity founder Paul Brandt are inviting businesses, community organizations, municipalities, educators, and other police services to join a growing movement to combat human trafficking and support survivors.

At a joint announcement held today, WRPS Chief Mark Crowell reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to raising awareness about human trafficking and joined Paul Brandt in encouraging organizations across Waterloo Region and beyond to take an active role in prevention and education.

Human trafficking remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada and disproportionately impacts vulnerable individuals, particularly women and girls. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond can play a critical role in identifying victims and disrupting exploitation. Since 2020, the Region of Waterloo has experienced elevated rates of victimization of human trafficking when compared to provincial and national rates.

Founded by Paul Brandt, #NotInMyCity is a Canadian awareness and prevention initiative focused on mobilizing communities to take action against human trafficking and sexual exploitation through education, training, and collaboration.

"Ending human trafficking requires all of us working together," said Brandt. "Whether you're a business owner, educator, community leader, or law enforcement partner, you have a role to play. We invite organizations across Ontario and across Canada to stand with us, learn the signs, raise awareness, and become part of the solution."

By expanding awareness and strengthening partnerships, WRPS and #NotInMyCity hope to create a united community response that makes it more difficult for traffickers to operate and easier for victims to find help.

Since becoming a NIMC ally over a year ago, members have participated in training opportunities, community engagement initiatives, and collaborative conversations designed to help identify the signs of human trafficking and better support victims and survivors.

"Human trafficking is not just a policing issue,” said Chief Crowell. “It is a community issue that requires a collective response. As police leaders, we recognize that we cannot do this work alone. Success depends on the involvement of businesses, community organizations, educators, municipalities, and concerned citizens who are willing to learn, engage, and act.”

WRPS and #NotInMyCity are encouraging organizations to:

• Increase awareness and education about human trafficking.
• Educate employees and staff to recognize the signs of exploitation.
• Support victims and survivors through community partnerships.
• Collaborate with police and community agencies on prevention initiatives.
• Help foster safer communities where exploitation cannot thrive.

For more information about #NotInMyCity and how your organization can get involved, visit Home - #NotInMyCity