Episode Details

We sit down with retired Phoenix Detective Heidi Chance and unpack the tactics that actually stop the game of human trafficking. Heidi takes us from her cadet days through years of undercover work to a defining prosecution that ended with 101 convictions and a 493.5-year sentence. She shares with us tips and identifying factors like branding tattoos, when one man is with multiple women in unlikely environments, jail calls to “daddy,” and overly polite traffic stops. We dig into why female undercover officers change the calculus, how expert testimony reframes “choice” for juries, and what it takes to interview victims who love or fear the person exploiting them.

We cover patrol recognition, report details that matter in court, online buyer operations, and the financial playbook that seizes cars, cash, and accounts so traffickers can’t pick up where they left off. Heidi shares  stories about 36-hour rescues, managing family life under callouts, and the growing need for wellness support in high-trauma units. For communities, she points to prevention you can start tonight having real talks with kids about grooming and sextortion, calling 911 when violence happens in public, and resources for tattoo removal and safe shelter.

If you’re an officer scouting a path into human trafficking work, or a leader trying to build capability in a smaller agency, Heidi lays out concrete steps, from shadowing and certifications to assembling a portfolio that wins boards over. If you’re a parent or ally, you’ll leave with clear signs to watch for and the confidence to act. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you liked this episode!

Contact Info: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-chance/ 

Website: https://www.achanceforawareness.com 

Instagram Handle: @a_chance_for_awareness 

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