Episode 44: Heidi Chance - Retired Detective with 27+ years in Law Enforcement, Focus in Human Trafficking Investigations, Founder of "A Chance For Awareness" and author of "Talk To Them".

Welcome to I Will Hold Space For Your Darkness; a First Responder Mental Health Podcast hosted by Erin Jane.

A former Australian Police Officer and Detective, wife of an American Firefighter, previous crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention organization and current CISM trained, trauma informed and certified Life and Wellness Coach for First Responders, Emergency Services Members, Spouses and Loved Ones.

This week, Erin speaks with Heidi Chance, a retired detective with over 27 years in law enforcement, including 25 years with Phoenix PD. She worked as an undercover detective investigating human trafficking cases for 13 of those years and through her hard work, dedication and experience, rescued countless victims. She is a SME (Subject Matter Expert) in the field of sex trafficking and since retiring from her position with the PD, founded "A Chance for Awareness", an organisation dedicated to raising the awareness of sex trafficking, where Heidi provides training and courses, to help law enforcement members and civilian participants understand the methodology  and characteristics of groomers and offenders, as well as about the potential vulnerabilities of victims. She most recently became a published author with the book "Talk To Them: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Youth in the Digital Age".

Heidi told Erin about her childhood, growing up with a father in law enforcement, that really fueled her passion to become a police officer. She spent time in patrol and as an SRO, but found her true calling in the realm of sex trafficking and human trafficking. She details the beginning of her role, when the focus was primarily on the sex worker, through the transition into seeing them as a victim and the criminal focus turning on the actual traffickers.

Heidi and Erin discuss the ever changing aspects of criminality and how advances in technology changed the way human trafficking occurs, forcing law enforcement to have to keep up with the constantly evolving nature of their tactics. She also discusses the impact this line of work had on her family life and the lack of mental health and wellness resources offered to those performing these roles, something that should be addressed.

Her years of experience made her realise there was a huge intelligence gap in terms of the methodology of traffickers being known and the right ways to interact with them, even teaching civilians about the dangers involved. After retiring from Phoenix PD, she wanted to continue her passionate work in the field, so she founded "A Chance For Awareness" in March of 2022. Heidi provides awareness of sex trafficking in the community through keynote presentations, workshop/training events, law enforcement coaching and training and online courses. 

She has recently published the book "Talk To Them", a comprehensive guide of actionable strategies, personal anecdotes, and expert analysis aimed at fostering open communication, initiating difficult conversations with our kids and teens to ensure their safety online.  You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D37K9NRR?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_FQRR9J0BT7MKHX42FV3R&peakEvent=5&dealEvent=0&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true

This was a lovely and very informative conversation to have! I'm so grateful to Heidi for taking the time to speak with me and am truly inspired by her dedication to helping the victims of human and sex trafficking. Please check out her website here: https://www.achanceforawareness.com and follow her on the socials FB: A Chance For Awareness and IG: a_chance_for_awareness

We both hope you enjoy listening to this episode!