The University of Central Oklahoma’s Institute of Hope will host Marc Evans, an 18-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, for a presentation on domestic human trafficking at 9 a.m. March 2 in the Pegasus Theater located in the Liberal Arts Building.       

The event is free and open to the public as part of the Institute of Hope’s educational series. 

Evans seeks to spread awareness and improve understanding on issues related to human trafficking. He has trained with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Homeland Security and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He also is the president of Apogee Consulting, a law enforcement and community training group. 

“We know that poverty is one of the many risk factors that make individuals vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking, but we also are hearing more and more about this type of incident happening to what many would consider normal everyday kids – despite their economic situations,” said Brenda Chappell, Ph.D., assistant professor and chair of the department of Sociology and Substance Abuse Studies.

“That is why having experts like Mr. Evans share their knowledge creates a unique opportunity for all of us to learn and recognize the signs and risk factors associated with sex trafficking, because we know it can happen to anyone regardless of background.”

Members of Oklahoma City and Edmond law enforcement are encouraged to attend and will receive CLEET certification for the presentation.

Created by three graduates from UCO’s College of Liberal Arts, the Institute of Hope fights prejudice and abuse through educational programming and student financial aid opportunities. The institute sponsors lectures, films and student activities while also providing students with special circumstances tuition and fee waiver scholarships, as well as textbooks.    

For more information contact Chappell at (405) 974-5546 or bchappell@uco.edu.