Member since August 2023
Heidi Chance is a seasoned expert with 27+ years on the frontlines of law enforcement, deeply committed to the fight against human trafficking. As the founder of A Chance for Awareness, Heidi leverages her extensive experience, real truths, and undercover operations to educate both the law enforcement community and the public. Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in human trafficking, she serves as an Expert Witness in trials, imparting her knowledge through compelling case studies and lived experiences. Through her company, Heidi offers a variety of training formats, including in-person, online, and live webinars, aimed at equipping individuals with the skills to identify and combat sex trafficking. Her mission extends beyond education; she believes in mobilizing a collective effort to eradicate sex trafficking. Heidi's work through A Chance for Awareness is a testament to her dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of the vulnerable and empowering communities to join the fight against this heinous crime.
She was featured in the Frontline PBS documentary “Sex Trafficking in America” and is an Executive Contributor for BRAINZ Magazine, authoring several articles on Human Trafficking.
Heidi conducted a meticulous investigation that resulted in a trafficker being found guilty on 101 counts of child sex trafficking, dangerous crimes against children, aggravated assault, and many other charges. This trafficker received a record sentence of 493.5 years in prison, which gave his 7 victims justice for his crimes.
Heidi's commitment to raising awareness and educating both law enforcement agencies and the community is evident in her dynamic approach to training. She offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including in-person sessions, online courses, and live webinars tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Her goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and combat sex trafficking effectively.
Believing firmly that the fight against sex trafficking requires a collective effort, Heidi advocates for widespread participation in this crucial battle. Through her website, A Chance for Awareness, she extends her reach, offering resources, insights, and guidance to all who wish to stand against this pervasive crime. Heidi Chance is not just a voice in the field; she is a beacon of hope, driving change and fostering a unified front to protect and empower the most vulnerable in our society.
She has recently begun consulting when creating Achanceforawareness.com as part of her own outreach to continue educating the public about sex trafficking awareness and to continue to train Law Enforcement about sex trafficking, educating on proactive undercover operations as well as prosecutors about sex trafficking investigations.
She is the author of the newly released book "Talk To Them" -Navigating Difficult Conversations With Youth In The Digital Age. Talk To Them is a vital resource for parents and mentors striving to navigate the complexities of the digital age and engage in impactful conversations with the younger generation.
I enjoy discussing the Power of Awareness as it pertains to people's understanding of Sex Trafficking and the impact of that awareness, by holding sex traffickers and sex buyers accountable for exploiting victims.
I have an investigation that holds a record for the United States in putting a Sex Trafficking Suspect in prison for 493.5 years!🎤 This case is an incredible story about familial trafficking involving 7 victims, 2 of which were juveniles that resulted in a 130-count indictment and a 7-month-long trial. The results of the hard work on the part of everyone involved and the witness/victim testimony truly shows the impact of sex trafficking awareness!
After retiring in 2021, I wanted to continue to educate about sex trafficking to the community and law enforcement. Therefore, I created "A Chance For Awareness", as a resource for the community and law enforcement to bring up-to-date information and resources.
I use the power of my lived experiences as an undercover detective to share the message about the Domestic Sex Trafficking problem happening in our communities today. I use case study examples to illustrate my experiences and truly give the audience a full picture of the problem that exists today!
Course Description:
In a world filled with evolving threats, situational awareness is your first line of defense. This course is designed to teach participants how to stay alert, identify potential dangers, and protect themselves and their loved ones in a variety of settings. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, traveling, or navigating the online world, this training offers practical tools and strategies for enhancing personal safety.
Led by a seasoned expert in law enforcement and undercover operations, this session will empower you with actionable techniques to recognize threats, de-escalate situations, and avoid becoming a target. Participants will leave with the confidence to navigate their daily lives safely, both offline and online.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the principles of situational awareness and how to apply them in your everyday life.
2. Learn strategies to protect yourself during daily activities, travel, and in unfamiliar environments.
3. Recognize digital threats and develop habits for maintaining online safety for yourself and your family.
4. Practice practical video examples and techniques to identify and respond to potential dangers in real-world scenarios.
This course equips you with the mindset and skills to take control of your safety, fostering greater confidence and security in any situation.
In this eye-opening presentation, Detective Chance aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize the subtle but critical indicators of sex trafficking. Understanding these signs is not only essential for personal safety but also empowers you to play a pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals in your community. By the end of this session, you'll have the tools to identify potential trafficking situations and take the right steps to report and assist victims effectively.
Performance Objectives:
1. Recognize Indicators: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify key indicators of potential sex trafficking situations, demonstrating an understanding of the signs that may occur in real life settings.
2. Report Suspicions: Participants will leave with knowledge of how to report potential trafficking issues, ensuring they can take proactive steps to connect victims with the appropriate authorities while minimizing risks to themselves.
3. Promote Awareness: After the session, participants will be prepared to raise awareness and educate their colleagues and communities about sex trafficking indicators, creating a network of vigilant individuals committed to combating this critical issue.
In today's hyper-connected world, the digital landscape presents both opportunities and dangers for children. This training is designed to empower parents, caregivers, and guardians with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect children from online threats. Drawing from real-world experience and expertise, this course will delve into the risks children face online, such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and interactions with potential predators. Participants will learn about the importance of maintaining private profiles, monitoring online activities, and fostering open communication with their children. Through practical strategies and accessible resources, this training equips participants with the skills needed to create a safer digital environment for their children.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify Online Threats: Understand the various dangers children face in the digital space, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and the risk of interaction with online predators.
2. Implement Safety Precautions: Learn practical measures parents and guardians can take to protect their children online, such as setting up privacy controls, monitoring internet usage, and guiding responsible social media behavior.
3. Understand the Risks of Open Profiles: Recognize the dangers associated with open online profiles and conversations with strangers, and learn how to educate children on the importance of maintaining privacy and safeguarding them against the grooming and exploitation taking place online.
4. Access Resources and Take Action: Discover available resources and actionable steps parents can take to prevent online threats, including how to report suspicious activity, seek help, and educate children about safe online practices.
This essential training is designed for patrol officers who are often the first responders to incidents involving potential sex trafficking. The course will cover realistic scenarios of patrol officers responding to calls for service, with a focus on interactions that help recognize signs of trafficking. Officers will learn how to respond effectively upon identifying a trafficking incident, ensuring the protection of victims and the proper gathering of potential evidence. Additionally, the course will include a discussion on the limited and appropriate questions to ask victims to avoid traumatization and secure cooperation. Law Enforcement Only
Performance Objectives:
1. Enhanced Recognition Awareness: Officers will learn to identify key indicators of sex trafficking during routine patrols and calls for service, improving their awareness and ability to recognize potential trafficking situations.
2. Effective Incident Response: Officers will be trained in the appropriate steps to take when a trafficking incident is identified, including victim protection protocols and evidence-gathering techniques that are crucial for successful prosecution.
3. Victim-Centered Approach: Officers will understand the importance of asking limited and appropriate questions to victims, focusing on a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes victim safety and cooperation.
This comprehensive course delves into the complex intersection of financial crime, illegal enterprises, and child sex trafficking investigations. Participants will explore the sophisticated methods used by traffickers to launder money and hide their illegal activities. Through the analysis of real-world case studies, the course highlights the critical role of financial investigations in uncovering and dismantling child sex trafficking networks. Attendees will learn how to identify and track illicit financial flows, thereby disrupting the financial networks that sustain these heinous crimes. Law Enforcement & Finacial Investigators
Performance Objectives:
1. Understanding Financial Mechanisms: Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the methods traffickers use to launder money and fund their illegal enterprises, enhancing their ability to identify and investigate these financial crimes.
2. Integrating Financial and Trafficking Investigations: Attendees will learn to combine financial investigation techniques with traditional child sex trafficking investigations to build stronger, more comprehensive cases.
3. Enhancing Victim Cooperation: Officers will explore strategies for maintaining victim cooperation and safety, including the use of victim advocates and support organizations, to ensure the successful prosecution of traffickers.
4. Participants will learn about the systems available to use for investigators to identify traffickers and victims through the TRAC (Transaction Record Analysis Center) system and how it relates to Spotlight and Traffick Jam to generate leads to target traffickers.
Participants will hear a case study presented that offers several familiar challenges these investigations have and how "going after the money" simultaneously with their sex trafficking investigations yields additional felony charges and stronger investigations.
I have an investigation that holds a record for the United States in putting a Sex Trafficking Suspect in prison for 493.5 years!🎤 This case is an incredible story about familial trafficking involving 7 victims, 2 of which were juveniles that resulted in a 130-count indictment and a 7-month-long trial. The results of the hard work on the part of everyone involved and the witness/victim testimony truly shows the impact of sex trafficking awareness!
After retiring in 2021, I wanted to continue to educate about sex trafficking to the community and law enforcement. Therefore, I created "A Chance For Awareness", as a resource for the community and law enforcement to bring up-to-date information and resources.
I use the power of my lived experiences as an undercover detective to share the message about the Domestic Sex Trafficking problem happening in our communities today. I use case study examples to illustrate my experiences and truly give the audience a full picture of the problem that exists today!
Course Description:
In a world filled with evolving threats, situational awareness is your first line of defense. This course is designed to teach participants how to stay alert, identify potential dangers, and protect themselves and their loved ones in a variety of settings. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, traveling, or navigating the online world, this training offers practical tools and strategies for enhancing personal safety.
Led by a seasoned expert in law enforcement and undercover operations, this session will empower you with actionable techniques to recognize threats, de-escalate situations, and avoid becoming a target. Participants will leave with the confidence to navigate their daily lives safely, both offline and online.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the principles of situational awareness and how to apply them in your everyday life.
2. Learn strategies to protect yourself during daily activities, travel, and in unfamiliar environments.
3. Recognize digital threats and develop habits for maintaining online safety for yourself and your family.
4. Practice practical video examples and techniques to identify and respond to potential dangers in real-world scenarios.
This course equips you with the mindset and skills to take control of your safety, fostering greater confidence and security in any situation.
In this eye-opening presentation, Detective Chance aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize the subtle but critical indicators of sex trafficking. Understanding these signs is not only essential for personal safety but also empowers you to play a pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals in your community. By the end of this session, you'll have the tools to identify potential trafficking situations and take the right steps to report and assist victims effectively.
Performance Objectives:
1. Recognize Indicators: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify key indicators of potential sex trafficking situations, demonstrating an understanding of the signs that may occur in real life settings.
2. Report Suspicions: Participants will leave with knowledge of how to report potential trafficking issues, ensuring they can take proactive steps to connect victims with the appropriate authorities while minimizing risks to themselves.
3. Promote Awareness: After the session, participants will be prepared to raise awareness and educate their colleagues and communities about sex trafficking indicators, creating a network of vigilant individuals committed to combating this critical issue.
In today's hyper-connected world, the digital landscape presents both opportunities and dangers for children. This training is designed to empower parents, caregivers, and guardians with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect children from online threats. Drawing from real-world experience and expertise, this course will delve into the risks children face online, such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and interactions with potential predators. Participants will learn about the importance of maintaining private profiles, monitoring online activities, and fostering open communication with their children. Through practical strategies and accessible resources, this training equips participants with the skills needed to create a safer digital environment for their children.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify Online Threats: Understand the various dangers children face in the digital space, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and the risk of interaction with online predators.
2. Implement Safety Precautions: Learn practical measures parents and guardians can take to protect their children online, such as setting up privacy controls, monitoring internet usage, and guiding responsible social media behavior.
3. Understand the Risks of Open Profiles: Recognize the dangers associated with open online profiles and conversations with strangers, and learn how to educate children on the importance of maintaining privacy and safeguarding them against the grooming and exploitation taking place online.
4. Access Resources and Take Action: Discover available resources and actionable steps parents can take to prevent online threats, including how to report suspicious activity, seek help, and educate children about safe online practices.
This essential training is designed for patrol officers who are often the first responders to incidents involving potential sex trafficking. The course will cover realistic scenarios of patrol officers responding to calls for service, with a focus on interactions that help recognize signs of trafficking. Officers will learn how to respond effectively upon identifying a trafficking incident, ensuring the protection of victims and the proper gathering of potential evidence. Additionally, the course will include a discussion on the limited and appropriate questions to ask victims to avoid traumatization and secure cooperation. Law Enforcement Only
Performance Objectives:
1. Enhanced Recognition Awareness: Officers will learn to identify key indicators of sex trafficking during routine patrols and calls for service, improving their awareness and ability to recognize potential trafficking situations.
2. Effective Incident Response: Officers will be trained in the appropriate steps to take when a trafficking incident is identified, including victim protection protocols and evidence-gathering techniques that are crucial for successful prosecution.
3. Victim-Centered Approach: Officers will understand the importance of asking limited and appropriate questions to victims, focusing on a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes victim safety and cooperation.
This comprehensive course delves into the complex intersection of financial crime, illegal enterprises, and child sex trafficking investigations. Participants will explore the sophisticated methods used by traffickers to launder money and hide their illegal activities. Through the analysis of real-world case studies, the course highlights the critical role of financial investigations in uncovering and dismantling child sex trafficking networks. Attendees will learn how to identify and track illicit financial flows, thereby disrupting the financial networks that sustain these heinous crimes. Law Enforcement & Finacial Investigators
Performance Objectives:
1. Understanding Financial Mechanisms: Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the methods traffickers use to launder money and fund their illegal enterprises, enhancing their ability to identify and investigate these financial crimes.
2. Integrating Financial and Trafficking Investigations: Attendees will learn to combine financial investigation techniques with traditional child sex trafficking investigations to build stronger, more comprehensive cases.
3. Enhancing Victim Cooperation: Officers will explore strategies for maintaining victim cooperation and safety, including the use of victim advocates and support organizations, to ensure the successful prosecution of traffickers.
4. Participants will learn about the systems available to use for investigators to identify traffickers and victims through the TRAC (Transaction Record Analysis Center) system and how it relates to Spotlight and Traffick Jam to generate leads to target traffickers.
Participants will hear a case study presented that offers several familiar challenges these investigations have and how "going after the money" simultaneously with their sex trafficking investigations yields additional felony charges and stronger investigations.