ARIZONA NEWS

Tempe city employees to undergo training to spot human trafficking victims

Jan 12, 2023, 4:15 AM

(AP Photo, Jae C. Hong, File)...

(AP Photo, Jae C. Hong, File)

(AP Photo, Jae C. Hong, File)

PHOENIX – City of Tempe employees will begin training in how to spot signs of human trafficking this week, officials announced Wednesday.

The Phoenix suburb is working to become Arizona’s second Cities Empowered Against Sexual Exploitation network city, joining Scottsdale.

“CEASE AZ Human Trafficking 101 training will help to equip our employees so they provide more boots on the ground here in Arizona to stop human trafficking,” Velicia Humes, Tempe’s chief diversity officer, said in a press release.

Training coincides with January being Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Trafficking, the city said, affects 25 million children and adults around the world who have been forced into labor or prostitution.

Over 1,600 Tempe workers will be instructed in the signs of human trafficking, which can include someone who:

• Avoids eye contact and social interaction
• Regularly works excessively long hours
• Lives at their place of employment
• Shows signs of physical injuries and abuse
• Isn’t allowed to go into public alone or speak for themselves

Other notable signs are small children who are working and measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment.

Tempe’s crisis response team provides 24/7 resources and services to trafficking victims as part of 911 calls.

Anyone who thinks they have seen someone who may be a victim can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

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Tempe city employees to undergo training to spot human trafficking victims