Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is taking a strong stand against human trafficking, bringing a major regional training conference to Bozeman this April to equip law enforcement and frontline professionals with the tools they need to combat this growing crisis.
The 2025 Greater Rockies Immersive Training (GRIT) Conference, scheduled for April 28–30, will unite law enforcement, prosecutors, educators, and social service providers from across the Rocky Mountain region. Hosted in partnership with Uprising Wyoming, FYN Global, and the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, the event will feature hands-on training, survivor testimony, and expert-led sessions aimed at dismantling trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable communities.
Attorney General Knudsen, a staunch advocate for law and order, has made human trafficking a top priority in Montana. Under his leadership, the state has increased penalties for traffickers, cracked down on sex buyers, and launched the EnlightenED curriculum to educate students on the dangers of trafficking. He has also hosted multiple symposiums to bolster Montana’s response to this horrific crime.
“I am pleased to partner with Uprising Wyoming to bring the GRIT Conference to Montana this year,” said Knudsen. “This training will give attendees the expertise and tools they need to fight human trafficking across our state and beyond. We are strengthening relationships with law enforcement, advocates, and professionals across state lines to put an end to modern-day slavery.”
Human trafficking is not just an issue for big cities—it is happening in rural communities across America. The Rockies region, with its vast geography and limited resources, is particularly vulnerable. Criminal networks exploit these gaps, making it more critical than ever for law enforcement, legal experts, and local communities to work together to combat trafficking.
Unlike typical conferences, GRIT is designed for action. It includes in-depth training on investigative techniques, open-source intelligence (OSINT), trauma-informed responses, and community-based solutions for rural trafficking. Attendees will also participate in a realistic “mock operation” to apply their training in a controlled, hands-on environment under the guidance of national experts.
“The GRIT Conference is more than just a gathering—it’s an immersive experience designed to equip professionals with real-world strategies to combat human trafficking,” said Uprising Executive Director Terri Markham. “By fostering collaboration among law enforcement, legal experts, healthcare providers, and advocates, we are empowering those on the front lines to protect and support victims.”
Keynote speaker Jenna McKaye, a survivor of human trafficking, will share her powerful testimony to open the three-day event. Additional expert sessions will cover the latest tools and strategies for identifying, investigating, and dismantling trafficking networks.
Knudsen’s leadership on this issue is a stark contrast to the soft-on-crime policies seen in other states, where lax enforcement and radical policies have allowed human trafficking to thrive. By bringing this crucial training to Montana, Knudsen is ensuring that law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and frontline responders are fully equipped to take on traffickers and protect the most vulnerable.
GRIT 2025 is open to professionals working with trafficking survivors, and registration is now available here. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are also open for companies aligned with the conference’s mission.
By: DNU staff