With over 250,000 fans flooding Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft , police say the city witnessed significantly low human trafficking activity, thanks to a strategic blend of law enforcement vigilance, nonprofit partnerships, and public awareness efforts.
Preparedness and community collaboration
Authorities had braced for an uptick in trafficking activity, a pattern seen during major sporting events worldwide. In response, Green Bay deployed a layered prevention strategy that included community education, targeted surveillance, and rapid-response protocols. Officers collaborated closely with local businesses and nonprofit leaders to stay ahead of potential threats. Their goal was not just enforcement, but deterrence and protection.
The task force’s efforts went beyond prevention, they also successfully recovered three trafficking victims from across Northeast Wisconsin. In addition, a coordinated “John Sting” operation in the Fox Valley led to the arrest of two individuals involved in prostitution-related activities. These actions highlighted the tangible impact of the city’s proactive approach.
“I believe that our efforts were a success,” said Lieutenant Jason Allen of the Green Bay Police Department. “All of the information that we got out through the public on the front end helped us in the long run by reducing the amount of human trafficking that took place during the draft.”
Training, enforcement, and long-term vigilance
Ahead of the event, Green Bay police collaborated with local nonprofits, used a $20,000 county-funded grant for community training and emergency support, and consulted Detroit law enforcement , hosts of the 2024 draft to anticipate trafficking risks. Hotels, bars, and transport services were briefed on red flags, such as controlling behavior, inconsistent IDs, and signs of distress.
Allen emphasized the department’s proactive stance, “I felt like we did absolutely everything that we could have done. We used all of the resources that I know that are available to aid in this investigation.” He also noted, “There will be several of those massage establishments that will have their licensing reviewed based on the outcome of this investigation.”
Faith-based groups and nonprofits amplified the citywide effort through round-the-clock awareness drives, prayer vigils, and survivor assistance. The combined approach ensured both safety and support for vulnerable individuals.
Also read: “He's got to do better”: Tom Brady’s Raiders leadership questioned as coaching decisions spark backlash
With human trafficking often surging during global sporting events, Green Bay’s model stands out. The city’s experience now offers a strong blueprint for future host cities preparing for events like the Super Bowl, Olympics, or World Cup proving that early action and united efforts can make a real difference.
Preparedness and community collaboration
Authorities had braced for an uptick in trafficking activity, a pattern seen during major sporting events worldwide. In response, Green Bay deployed a layered prevention strategy that included community education, targeted surveillance, and rapid-response protocols. Officers collaborated closely with local businesses and nonprofit leaders to stay ahead of potential threats. Their goal was not just enforcement, but deterrence and protection.
The task force’s efforts went beyond prevention, they also successfully recovered three trafficking victims from across Northeast Wisconsin. In addition, a coordinated “John Sting” operation in the Fox Valley led to the arrest of two individuals involved in prostitution-related activities. These actions highlighted the tangible impact of the city’s proactive approach.
“I believe that our efforts were a success,” said Lieutenant Jason Allen of the Green Bay Police Department. “All of the information that we got out through the public on the front end helped us in the long run by reducing the amount of human trafficking that took place during the draft.”
Training, enforcement, and long-term vigilance
Ahead of the event, Green Bay police collaborated with local nonprofits, used a $20,000 county-funded grant for community training and emergency support, and consulted Detroit law enforcement , hosts of the 2024 draft to anticipate trafficking risks. Hotels, bars, and transport services were briefed on red flags, such as controlling behavior, inconsistent IDs, and signs of distress.
Allen emphasized the department’s proactive stance, “I felt like we did absolutely everything that we could have done. We used all of the resources that I know that are available to aid in this investigation.” He also noted, “There will be several of those massage establishments that will have their licensing reviewed based on the outcome of this investigation.”
Faith-based groups and nonprofits amplified the citywide effort through round-the-clock awareness drives, prayer vigils, and survivor assistance. The combined approach ensured both safety and support for vulnerable individuals.
Also read: “He's got to do better”: Tom Brady’s Raiders leadership questioned as coaching decisions spark backlash
With human trafficking often surging during global sporting events, Green Bay’s model stands out. The city’s experience now offers a strong blueprint for future host cities preparing for events like the Super Bowl, Olympics, or World Cup proving that early action and united efforts can make a real difference.
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