Scottsdale training city employees to recognize signs of trafficking
Sep 24, 2021, 8:03 AM
(AP File Photo)
(AP File Photo)
PHOENIX – City employees in Scottsdale are being trained by Homeland Security Investigations and other agencies to spot, report and prevent human and sex trafficking.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office said Thursday over 2,400 employees would undergo training that began this week.
Participating departments include police and fire, human services, public works and parks and recreation.
The training is designed to empower employees in a city dependent on tourism “to spot these [trafficking] situations and … help save someone who is being exploited,” Mayor David Ortega said in a press release.
“We are committed to being part of the solution.”
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The Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network is also involved in the training. The network is part of the Safeguarding All from Exploitation Action Project and launched in the state at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in 2019.
The program added training for hotel and lodging workers in January 2020.
When 75% of employees finish training, Scottsdale is slated to become the city in the state to be SAFE-certified, the AG Office said.
“No city is immune from these horrible crimes, including ours,” Police Chief Jeff Walther said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
