Alabama Recognizes Outstanding Anti-Human Trafficking Service with New Award

Strategic Insights -

The State of Alabama, through the Office of the Attorney General, has launched the Carolyn Potter Outstanding Anti-Human Trafficking Service Award to honor exceptional leaders and organizations in the fight against human trafficking. The award, named in honor of Carolyn Potter, CEO of The WellHouse, a residential program for trafficking survivors, recognizes individuals or organizations that have significantly advanced anti-human trafficking efforts across the state. This new award aims to commend admirable service, encourage those working in the field, and inspire others by shining a light on the example set by its recipients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Carolyn Potter Outstanding Anti-Human Trafficking Service Award was presented to Investigator Jessica Wilson of the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force for her leading role in combating trafficking in her region over the past six years.
  • Investigator Wilson has helped execute 63 search warrants and 54 felony warrants in just the past year, and was recently named Exchange Club Officer of the Year in Tuscaloosa.
  • She is a highly respected trainer for both law enforcement and community organizations, equipping others with the tools needed to identify and respond to trafficking.
  • The award is part of the continuing work of the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance, a statewide initiative led by Attorney General Marshall, which unites law enforcement, service providers, state agencies, and community stakeholders to develop and implement a coordinated, trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to addressing human trafficking in Alabama.
  • The Alliance is led by Attorney General Steve Marshall, who stated that Investigator Wilson and Carolyn Potter "embody the very best of Alabama in this fight" and that their work is a model for the nation.
  • The WellHouse, a nationally recognized residential program for trafficking survivors, has become the largest single-site residential home for survivors of human trafficking in the United States under Carolyn Potter's leadership.

Statistics:

  • Investments in combating human trafficking:
  • 63 search warrants executed by Investigator Wilson in the past year
  • 54 felony warrants executed by Investigator Wilson in the past year
  • 6 years of combatting trafficking in the region by Investigator Wilson
  • Over a decade of leadership and service by Carolyn Potter and The WellHouse
  • The WellHouse is the largest single-site residential home for survivors of human trafficking in the United States

Sources:

  • Office of the Attorney General, The State of Alabama (no date)
  • The Alabama News Network (no date)