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ExplainerCrime and JusticeSan Bernardino2 min read

San Bernardino County sheriff’s department plans free teen human-trafficking awareness talk

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is hosting a free talk on human trafficking and online grooming for teens and parents on Aug. 22.

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Poster advertising a teen human-trafficking awareness talk on Saturday, August 22, 2026, 8am–11am, with bullet points about recognizing signs and protecting yourself and others.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Aug. 7 (Inland Empire News Online) — The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is inviting teens and parents to a free talk on human trafficking, grooming and online activity on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in San Bernardino.

The event is scheduled from 8 to 11 a.m. at Sheriff’s Headquarters, 655 E. 3rd St. Registration is free.

What will the talk cover?

According to information from the Sheriff’s Department, guest speakers will discuss the dangers of human trafficking, online grooming and exploitation. The presentation will also focus on how families can recognize possible signs of human trafficking.

The event is designed as an educational program for teens and parents. The department has not identified the guest speakers or provided a detailed agenda in the available event information.

Human trafficking generally involves exploiting people through force, fraud or coercion. When minors are involved, officials and service providers also focus on warning signs such as manipulation, isolation and unsafe online contact. The talk’s description specifically highlights grooming and online activity, but it does not identify a specific case or investigation connected to the event.

When and where is it?

The talk is scheduled for:

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
  • Time: 8 to 11 a.m.
  • Location: Sheriff’s Headquarters, 655 E. 3rd St., San Bernardino
  • Cost: Free

The available information does not state whether registration is required, whether there is a registration deadline or what parking and accessibility arrangements will be available.

The event information lists Jennifer Valencia as the contact for registration and additional information. The listed contact details are jevalencia@sbcsd.org and 909-387-3702.

Where can families seek help?

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office lists the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888. The office also lists victim-services centers in San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Joshua Tree, Victorville and at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

The District Attorney’s Office resource page also lists the Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation among organizations providing trafficking-related resources.

The Sheriff’s Department’s announcement describes the Aug. 22 program as an awareness and education event. The available information does not connect it to any particular arrest, criminal case, suspect or victim.

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Thomas Yarnell

Raised in Redlands, California, Thomas Yarnell is the senior Inland Empire reporter for Times Media Service, based in Riverside, California. Yarnell covers local government, public safety, transportation, education and community affairs across San Bernardino and Riverside counties, following the agencies and infrastructure projects shaping daily life. Yarnell holds a master's degree in specialized journalism.

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