DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) – Iowa law enforcement is working with hotels to curb human trafficking.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety says hotels are a common place for people to be trafficked because it’s a moving crime.
According to a state law passed in July 2020, all hotel employees in Iowa must complete human trafficking training by January 1, otherwise the hotel will not be able to accept public funds.
The requirement affects 1,500 properties, including campsites and AirBNBs.
Staff learn about Iowa Human Trafficking Law, how to identify traffickers and what to do if they notice.
“It is very difficult to identify with human trafficking. So if we have the people on the front lines who could actually see it, then that identification will be great for law enforcement and they will be able to investigate such things and rescue victims, ”said Patrick Waymire, Assistant Director the Intelligence Division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
Employees can access the training online free of charge at StopHTiowa.org.
A handful of hotels have already completed their training.
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