Hamilton mayor proclaims January 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month; police outline warning signs and reporting resources
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Summary
The City of Hamilton adopted a proclamation declaring January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Police urged residents to watch for signs of trafficking, provided a hotline number and summarized 2025 department activity including calls for service and investigations.
The City of Hamilton on Monday adopted a proclamation declaring January 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Mayor Tammy Lewis Williams read and the council approved the proclamation by voice vote.
The proclamation, read aloud by Mayor Tammy Lewis Williams, said the city seeks to be designated a "trafficking free zone" and called for coordinated, community-wide responses to prevent and address trafficking. "I, Tammy Lewis Williams, as mayor of the City Of Hamilton, do hereby proclaim January 2026 is human trafficking prevention month," the mayor said while presenting the document.
Hamilton Police Chief briefed the council after the proclamation and urged residents to be aware of common indicators of human trafficking, such as individuals who appear fearful or controlled, lack identification, are frequently moved, or are closely monitored by another person. The chief encouraged community reporting, saying suspected human trafficking can be reported to local law enforcement by dialing 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at "+1 (888) 373-7888."
The chief also summarized department activity for 2025, stating the department responded to "2,946 calls for service," recorded "205 crash reports," and filed "895 offense and incident reports." He said the department made "315 arrests," issued "484 citations," and recorded "4,032 warnings" and "210 agency assists." Investigations staff, the chief said, wrote 63 search warrants, assisted 28 agencies and closed 108 cases; the transcript includes an unclear reference to "100 and warrants," which was not possible to verify from the record.
No new ordinance or enforcement policy was adopted at the meeting; the proclamation is a formal expression of intent and awareness rather than a change in law. The council took the proclamation by voice vote with no opposition. The mayor and police encouraged residents to call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline if they suspect trafficking.
The council adjourned after routine announcements and scheduling details.