I have been employed with the city of the Knoxville Police Department since 1994, and I currently serve as a Community Partnership Officer of the East District in Knoxville, TN. I help facilitate community engagement opportunities, establish community partnerships, oversee public awareness and educational efforts regarding criminal activity and crime prevention measures, and solve the unique problems that impact the residents and neighborhoods within the east district.
As a Knoxville Police Officer for 30 years, who has worked case investigations of human trafficking and undercover stings with the FBI, you never know how close to home a victim of human trafficking can be. At the vulnerable age of 15 years old, a dear friend's daughter, who is like a niece to me, began running away from home. She had fallen victim to human trafficking, and was abused and exploited by someone she trusted and believed was her romantic partner. Now, at the age of 23, she struggles with her mental health and finding healthy relationships.
I am excited to participate as a costume contest for the the second year in a row! My goal as a contestant is to raise funds for the awareness and educational training CCAHT provides to the public. My hope is help enhance their outreach efforts to protect individuals from trafficking and exploitation, and offer hope and healing to survivors to rebuild their lives. I support the work and mission of CCAHT to empower survivors of human trafficking and foster change in our community. United, we stand for justice and for all.