Ashton Hittle
Lantern Staff
Those who live in the Villas said that on the night of Sunday, Oct.14 people were knocking on their doors and asking if they would like to join their religion. In many human trafficking ruses, they ask the victim if they would like to join their religion and end up being able to have the upperhand against the victim. Those who were contacted by the two people were afraid of what might happen if they said yes or even talked to them.
Chief of Police Jason Kenney was on duty and had the opportunity to hear the first call first hand.
“The caller, a Butler student, stated that an individual approached her and asked if she would pray with them.” Kenney said. “This contact occurred in parking Lot C. I further investigated Pinebrook and the Villa apartments. We could not find anyone fitting the vague description we were given.”
“It was scary.” An anonymous student said. “No one except us should be in the Villas. I don’t think that anyone else will be knocking on our doors anytime soon.”
The school is not in any danger at this point in time according to Chief of Police Jason Kenney. It seems as though the claim of wanting to spread their religion was accurate. It may make students uncomfortable especially when the visitors are not supposed to be in the area that they were proselytizing in.
“Myself and my department have heard nothing else about this since Sunday. At no time was the College in danger.” Kenney stated. “ My Officers and I responded immediately and proactively to make sure there were no issues. I cannot speculate on what their intent was other than religion like the individual stated to me.”
One of the reasons students were very nervous about the event is because Wichita has some of the highest rates in the United States for human trafficking. The number of sex-trafficking cases that were reported in Wichita has increased from 29 in 2014 to 44 so far this year. This is almost 50 percent jump, according to The Wichita Eagle. Many believe that the surrounding areas of Wichita need to be cautious in what they do because the area of ‘hunting’ is growing as more people go missing. It is important to learn how to protect yourself and be aware of surroundings.
Important information to look into for safety concerns in the Clery Report. This is a report that is open to the public and has all of the unsafe activity on or around campus compiled into it. This is an important document to look at when trying to decide what college to go to. The Clery Report for Butler has come out and has information involving the past three years.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” Kenney said. “Everyone walks with their heads down in their phones. If you see something, say something. Call the police if something doesn’t seem right or if it seems uncomfortable.”
With growing risks of human trafficking, there is always a risk on being of your own. Stick with friends and be safe. Butler Community College cares about the safety of students and do their best to help the students out when they can, according to Chief of Police Jason Kenney