The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is observing January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month with a campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking. This crime affects every state, including Arkansas, and involves exploiting individuals for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. Victims can be found in various public places across the state.
Jared Wiley, ARDOT Director, emphasized the department’s commitment: “At ARDOT, we think of ourselves as everyone’s neighbor. We have offices in every county of the state, and we patrol every highway and interstate. We want to make sure our crews are educated on the issue and know how to spot human trafficking.” He added that their goal is to raise awareness and be vigilant in identifying and reporting potential trafficking situations.
In 2026, ARDOT plans to address this issue through education, outreach, and action by developing a training curriculum for employees and creating informational materials for public display. Recognizing signs such as individuals not allowed to speak for themselves or appearing controlled can help save lives. The public is encouraged to report suspicions via the Arkansas Human Trafficking Hotline at (501) 618-8001 or email ReportHT@arkansas.gov. Alternatively, reports can be made through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or by texting BEFREE (233733).
Wiley said that although January is designated as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, ARDOT’s commitment continues throughout the year: “We want our employees and the public to understand that they can make a difference by staying informed and alert.”
