Human Trafficking in Cumberland County: Understanding and Combating the Crisis

Hello my luvs, let's get real for a minute. Human trafficking is a major violation of human rights and it’s happening right under our noses. We're talking about using coercion, fraud, or force to exploit people for commercial gain or labor. According to U.S. federal law, it involves some seriously shady characters who recruit, harbor, transport, or provide victims, using force or fraud to make them do things like commercial sex acts or hard labor. It’s not just a simple crime; it’s a twisted game where traffickers mess with victims' minds, making them think they’re in control when they’re anything but.

Now, zooming in on Cumberland County, North Carolina, certain people are at a higher risk. If you're living in poverty, dealing with unstable housing, or have a history of trauma or addiction, you're more vulnerable. And let’s not forget people of color, immigrants, and those who identify as LGBTQ+—they face extra risks due to systemic discrimination and inequities. Traffickers love to prey on these vulnerabilities, throwing out false promises of love, support, or financial security. Their emotional manipulation can be just as confining as physical restraints, making it tough for victims to see what's really happening and seek help.

So, what can we do about it? First off, we need to fix the root problems that make people vulnerable in the first place. That means creating better support systems for those at risk and tackling big issues like homelessness, family violence, poverty, and discrimination. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Unit is on it, working with a victim-centered approach. They run focused investigations to uncover both commercial sex trafficking and labor trafficking and work with other agencies and NGOs to provide support and justice for survivors.

Recognizing the signs of trafficking is super important. If you see someone suddenly change their behavior, disconnect from their family and friends, show signs of physical abuse, or flash inexplicable wealth or multiple cell phones, it’s time to step in. For emergencies, dial 911. To drop anonymous tips in Cumberland County, hit up Crime Stoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477) or submit info online at (P3Tips). For direct tips, call the Cumberland County Human Trafficking Unit at 910-677-5514, or the Fayetteville Police Department Human Trafficking Unit at 910-433-1869. Nationally, the Polaris Project Hotline is your go-to at 888-373-7888 for tips outside of Cumberland County. Always dish out as much relevant info as possible, like license plate numbers, descriptions, and contact details.

By coming together and staying alert, we can protect vulnerable individuals and build a community where human trafficking has no place. Let’s do this!

U.S. News & World Report has released their new Best Places to Live rankings for 2024-2025, and the Tar Heel state got some major love! In a list of 150 major cities, two North Carolina cities were ranked among the top 10 best places to live in the US.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the ranking was compiled using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor, and some of the publication's own internal resources. The data was then sorted into four different categories by which each major city would be scored.

The categories were assigned different weights depending on how strongly Americans felt each factor mattered when choosing a place to live. The four categories in order of weight are as follows:

According to the official rankings, Charlotte and Raleigh are the two best places to live in North Carolina. The two cities made it to #5 and #6 respectively.

Charlotte scored extremely well overall, with the Queen City's quality of life and economic value placing it among the top places in the country to live. Charlotte was also commended for its sprawling metro area and bustling downtown scene, while still maintaining its southern charm.

Raleigh ranked almost neck-and-neck with Charlotte, with North Carolina's capital scoring highly in the Quality of Life category. The publication highlights Raleigh's bustling art and music scenes, as well as its beautiful green spaces and activity space. The city of Raleigh also received high marks for its strong sense of community among the residents.

The full rankings (seen here) reveals some interesting information about other major cities in the US, including other cities in North Carolina. Here are some of the key takeaways.

Ranked #1 overall, Naples, Florida was determined to be the best city to live in the US. The city scored highly for its overall quality of life, especially among retirees who desire a pristine beachfront view in their twilight years.

It's certainly a surprising #2, but Boise, Idaho has much to offer for outdoorsy types. Boise offers a plethora of different terrains for adventurers, including mountain ranges, canyons, deserts and lakes.

Colorado Springs, Colorado was ranked as the #3 best place to live for its blend of natural beauty and rustic modernism. Despite its endless array of events and activities, Colorado Springs maintains a small town charm that residents find intoxicating.

North Carolina's sister state did just a hair better in the ranking, with the South Carolina city of Greenville landing at #4 in the overall ranking. Greenville's downtown area is a central hub for local businesses, bars, restaurants and boutiques. The city is also quite lively during the summer season.

- Asheville (#17)

-Greensboro (#23) 

-Hickory (#26)

-Winston-Salem (#60)

-Fayetteville (#113)