Some states are working to fight back against this. In Florida, for instance, a 2019 law passed mandated that hotel workers receive training about human trafficking within two months of their hiring.
When hospitality workers have the necessary training, they can act in cases where they suspect human trafficking. The best action entails notifying law enforcement, along with having reporting procedures set up on the premises.
Warning signs for workers in hotels and hospitality
Educating workers in the hospitality industry about human trafficking is all well and good. However, of equal (if not more) importance is informing staffers of red flags and warning signs.
Some indicators of human trafficking in hotels/motels are as follows:
- Lack of personal possessions when checking in and/or staying in the room
- Cash payments for rooms
- Room(s) paid for with a card different from the one listed on the reservation
- Large amounts of materials alluding to sex or drug use in the room
- Considerable amounts of phones, computers, and devices for swiping credit cards
- Days on end of only dining in the room
Ending human trafficking requires a collective, ongoing effort from all members of the community. Join the fight.
