Education to action

Students at Oakland University heard from professionals across the criminal justice field during “From Classroom To Frontline: Careers Addressing Human Trafficking,” a discussion panel put on by the Criminal Justice Club, which focused on career paths and real-world impact.

Panelists represented a range of roles, including an FBI victim specialist agent, Commander in Chief of the Detroit police department, nurse, licensed counselor and the executive director of the Detroit Bar Association, offering students insight into how each position contributes to combating human trafficking and how they can get involved in the field.

“Dont take no, don’t give up, if you continue to work, help people, sooner or later, you'll make a difference,” said Commander Evon L. Johnson of the Detroit Police 13th Precinct. 

Students gained meaningful, in-depth insight into the importance of roles within the working field and the realities of working on the frontline.

“I think specifically these events, make us face those realities we want to omit, or we don’t want to see, or we rarely get to talk about,” said Adrian Jimenez Morales, editor in chief of The Oakland Post. “ I love those kinds of events.”

Panelists also addressed the importance of preparation beyond academic programs, emphasizing the risks of burnout without proper training.

“People come straight out of their programs and want to do the best help that they can — which I totally understand — but aren't necessarily trained, and that does create a lot of burnout. So getting the extra education is needed,” said Jennifer Dulchawsky Pho, licensed counselor at New You Counseling. 

Themes of self-care, patience and continued learning were emphasized throughout the discussion, highlighting the emotional demands that Oakland is preparing students for in the field.

“Be patient and look them in the eyes, talk to them, and take your time when you’re talking,” said Laura Dillaber, BSW, victim advocate at Common Ground and board member at Sparrow Freedom Project. 

Tracey Cooley, executive director of the Detroit Bar Association and executive director of Sparrow Freedom Project, emphasized the importance of student’s roles as they enter the field, noting that non-profit organizations are a great place to make an impact. 

“Oakland as an emblem of community has a duty to offer the most comprehensive and holistic support to everyone, not only Michigan, but to everyone that we can cross paths with,” said Jimenez Morales. 

For more information on Oakland’s Criminal Justice program please visit: https://www.oakland.edu/socan/criminal-justice/

If you are a victim of human trafficking or have identified someone you think may need help, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at: 888-373-7888, or text 233733.