North Carolina Republican Rep. Pat Harrigan announced the introduction of Simply Report on Tuesday, collaborating with the Safe House Project.
This app launch follows a recent letter from 41 state attorneys general, in which Harrigan expressed concerns that the National Human Trafficking Hotline Service was failing to properly relay tips to local law enforcement. The Safe House Project is a nonprofit dedicated to combating child sex trafficking and has spent years developing applications aimed at enhancing hotline effectiveness in today’s digital world.
“The National Trafficking Hotline has long been a vital part of our efforts, until it came to light that Polaris, the organization overseeing the hotline, was awarded grants to run it,” Harrigan stated. “Without these tips, local law enforcement agencies risk losing crucial leads to dismantle trafficking operations and help save victims on their path to recovery.”
Simply Report enables anonymous real-time reporting of suspected trafficking. The app utilizes filters to ensure reliable leads are passed to authorities while also connecting survivors and witnesses to a national network of Safe House Project-approved shelters and care providers. You can find the app in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The function of the app means no more missed or vague leads, relieving overwhelmed officers from guessing. Additionally, if survivors reach out for help, they’ll be linked to comprehensive support services like trauma-informed care and legal assistance, which are crucial for their recovery.
Harrigan shared with a news outlet that his interest in the Safe House Project has grown over the years, and he’s eager to contribute to their impactful work.
“They’re truly making a difference,” he remarked. “They’ve changed the trafficking landscape in North Carolina, offering law enforcement resources that simply didn’t exist before and giving survivors a way to escape their situations and begin healing.”
The app aims to be user-friendly and is available in over 200 languages, making it accessible globally. Harrigan pointed out that people often overlook signs of trafficking, such as a young girl alone in a hotel lobby, and are unsure how to react.
Chief Jarid Lauhoff of the North Carolina State Police underscored the importance of accurate information in fighting human trafficking, sharing his firsthand experiences with the intricacies of this crime. He mentioned the delays in responses and the incomplete leads often provided to law enforcement before emphasizing how Simply Report provides timely and essential information.
The Executive Director of My Life, My Choices spoke to the importance of the app, stating it empowers ordinary people to take action while offering law enforcement the tools they need to assist survivors more effectively.
Harrigan concluded that addressing human trafficking, especially at the borders, is crucial for national security and has been a significant concern for voters. “We need to secure our southern border and recognize that many of those exploited in trafficking operations are actually American citizens,” he said. “Our primary responsibility should be protecting our fellow Americans.”
