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Decatur honored with 'Partner in Peace' recognition for human‑trafficking prevention efforts
Summary
The City of Decatur was presented with a Partner in Peace recognition from the Center for Prevention of Abuse for municipal training, a reporting protocol and an ordinance addressing illicit massage facilities, officials said. The Decatur Police Department accepted the award.
The City of Decatur accepted a Partner in Peace recognition from the Center for Prevention of Abuse on May 18 for steps taken to prevent and respond to human trafficking.
Carol Murna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, presented the recognition and praised Decatur for training all city staff in trafficking awareness, passing an ordinance addressing illicit massage facilities and establishing an employee reporting protocol and anti‑trafficking policy for staff and vendors. "These actions send a clear message that human trafficking will not be ignored," Murna said.
City Manager Hahn introduced the presentation and noted staff participation in training. Chief Brad Allen of the Decatur Police Department accepted the recognition on behalf of the department and highlighted law enforcement training: "The Department participated in special trauma informed human trafficking trainings designed specifically for law enforcement professionals," he said, adding that trauma‑informed response can help victims find safety and support.
Murna said the Center partners with the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group and philanthropist Howard G. Buffet to build prevention systems: "Through these partnerships, communities are building stronger systems of prevention, victim response, law enforcement collaboration, and public awareness." She emphasized that trafficking "happens in Illinois and it happens in communities just like this," and called municipal participation in prevention work important.
City officials said the recognition reflects training, a municipal reporting webpage for suspicious activity and an internal policy for staff and vendors. The presentation included a reference to Decatur's ordinance targeting illicit massage facilities, which Murna said predated the Center's involvement.
The council did not take policy votes tied directly to the recognition during the meeting. The city manager encouraged residents to use the new reporting resources and thanked local partners for their role in prevention efforts.
