Dr. Nanry is an experienced law enforcement officer with over 20 years of dedicated service. Although, his specific role in law enforcement is not directly related to human trafficking, Dr. Nanry has taken it upon himself to learn about human trafficking and has developed a desire to disseminate what he has gleaned. The Human Traffic Report was able to speak with Dr. Nanry and discuss how he focuses on education to oppose human trafficking and how others can follow suit.
HTR: Dr. Nanry thank you very much for agreeing to speak with us on what has become a very personal mission for you. I am curious and am sure how readers will be as well, how did someone with a Doctor of Philosophy come to work in law enforcement?
CN: Actually, I just recently completed my Doctorate after many years working in law enforcement. It has always been a goal of mine to complete, regardless of my profession.
HTR: That’s very interesting. Why was completing your Doctorate of Philosophy so important to you and why philosophy?
CN: It was a combination of personal and professional desire. My father holds a PhD, and though I was a late bloomer to education, I followed his example. I have always sought out knowledge and wanted to push my limits of “knowing”. Professionally, a skilled researcher is a valuable asset to any organization. I wanted to be able to conduct meaningful research which can positively impact our society. PhDs are researchers and educators who conduct original research aiming to expand boundaries of knowledge.
HTR: Wow, that is quite commendable. I understand that your current position in law enforcement is not related to combatting human trafficking. How did you become so interested in illuminating human trafficking?
CN: That is correct, my current responsibilities do not engage with human trafficking. I have always known human trafficking exits, but my recent research and readings on human trafficking has ignited a passion to educate others on what human trafficking is, agencies who are collaborating to dismantle it, and who to contact if identified.
The catalyst which ignited my passion comes from a combination of sources, at first the mainstream news media. However, I began to seek other sources outside mainstream news, e.g., the State Department TIP report, Polaris, peer reviewed journal publications, and professionals in the field. I currently am reading a book titled “Sex at the Margins” by Laura Agustin, an Anthropologist who is regarded as an international expert in human trafficking. I have also recently finished reading “Girls Like Us”, by Rachel Lloyd and “Human Trafficking: Trade for Sex, Labor, and Organs” by Dr. Bandana Purkayastha and Dr. Farhan Navid Yousaf.
HTR: How do you see your role in the ongoing battle against human trafficking?
CN: As an adult educator, I wish to educate people concerning awareness, identification, and comprehension of human trafficking. By educating people of all demographics, human traffickers’ operations will be revealed. My contribution is through research and education.
Additionally, I will continue publishing articles on human trafficking to help educate readers. I have had the privilege of being published in several articles concerning human trafficking awareness, community education, and preventative measures. I am not sure on what the future brings, but I am open to different platforms as a researcher and educator to teach others about human trafficking.
HTR: Being involved in law enforcement obviously helps in your understanding of this travesty, but what can the layman do to help?
CN: You do not have to be in law enforcement to help shine a light on human trafficking. The main key is to be open to the concept that human trafficking is happening around you, seek education from reliable sources, and most importantly if human trafficking is identified; notify law enforcement.
HTR: How does one go about determining what is a reliable source?
CN: Looking at the quality of the research is critical to infer reliability. For example, peer reviewed journals and books are regarded as reliable sources of information. Is the research you are looking at original? Can the research be replicated? Where did the author obtain the studies information? Did the author cite their sources? Is the research completely subjective or biased? How old is the information used in the study, is it outdated? Is the research edited by a qualified editor?
Reliable sources are supported and structured by a well-reasoned theory, argument, discussion, and is based on strong evidence. Reliable research is not based on rumors or speculation.
HTR: What is the best way to notify law enforcement?
CN: As a private citizen, if you recognize signs of human tracking, do not approach or engage the situation, instead call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or 1-866-347-2423 to Federal law enforcement, or call your local police department.
HTR: Do you have any suggestions on what can be done at the local, state, and national levels?
CN: Agencies can foster education and cultivate open dialog about human trafficking. Education can be encouraged and supported to occur in academic institutions, businesses, and trade occupations.
HTR: On a personal note, how did you come to know Dottie?
CN: A fellow law enforcement officer suggested I contact Dottie. She has a wealth of knowledge which is only matched by her compassion towards victims of human trafficking. Dottie has been in this field for 20 years.
HTR: Thank you very much Dr. Nanry for your forthright and illuminating information. Any final words you would like to share with our readership?
CN: Yes. My concern is for the preservation of human life and defending those who are in need. I only hope my ability to educate can help protect life and disrupt human trafficking.
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