Hunter
12/01/21
The Iowa Department of Public Safety has begun training lodging providers on looking for signs of human trafficking.
In the 2021 state legislative session, lawmakers passed a law requiring state lodging providers who host public employees or publicly-funded events and conferences to train their staff on human trafficking.
Part of the legislation indicates that public funds may not be spent with any lodging provider that has not received the required training certification.
More incidents of human trafficking are being reported in Iowa and across the country, but it’s uncertain whether it’s the result of increased trafficking or more incidents being reported.
Signs lodging providers will be looking for that may indicate human trafficking include individuals working excessively long hours, getting unexplained gifts, showing signs of physical injury, and substance abuse.
The DPS Office to Combat Human Trafficking is responsible for facilitating the new law and establishing the curriculum used to certify the lodging providers. Free training is available online at www.StopHTIowa.org.
Anyone who believes someone is being trafficked or is being trafficked themselves can call 911 or the Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.