Alabama non-profit receives large grant to combat sex trafficking

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDEF) — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey granted nearly $200,000 to a non-profit to train law enforcement on methods to combat sex trafficking.

Gov. Ivey granted the funds to Covenant Rescue Group, a non-profit based in Jefferson County, Alabama. The group offers training to law enforcement agencies across the state of Alabama. They also provide “initial surveillance and rescue operations and offers referrals to victims for support and recovery,” according to the governor.

According to the governor, Covenant Rescue Group’s instructors are former law enforcement officers and special operations veterans.

Gov. Ivey made this statement regarding the grant:

“Our men and women in law enforcement should have access to tools and techniques that help them protect the people in their communities from exploitation. I am pleased to award this grant to an organization working to stop those criminals who seek to victimize vulnerable people.”

The grant funds come from the U.S. Department of Justice and is administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell is supportive of the grant as well. Here is what he said:

“Many law enforcement agencies may lack the resources and expertise to investigate or respond to this type of crime. ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these and other efforts to crack down on sex trafficking.”