The hospitality industry is one that we all know well. It is a business that provides us with shelter, food, and entertainment when we are away from home for work or pleasure. The idea of visiting a hotel may seem like an innocuous thing to do but there’s more than meets the eye in the world of hotels.
A recent study found that around 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked annually. This means every year approximately 1% of the global population becomes victims of human trafficking. Many become victims as a result of their employment in the hospitality industry! As an ethical employer you want nothing more than to provide your employees with safety and security while they go about doing their job. Unfortunately this just isn’t always possible since it is difficult to identify someone who is being trafficked.
As a hospitality business owner, you know how important it is to provide a safe space for your guests. Many times, these victims find themselves in a hospitality based business as they’re on their way to be sold into slavery. It can happen anywhere: truck stops, motels, “motel clubs,” and even restaurants. The good news is that there are many ways to help put an end to human trafficking in hospitality.
It’s hard to know the number of people who are trafficked in hospitality because many times it goes undetected by employees. What is known, however, is that at least 7.7 percent of human trafficking cases reported in 2016 were based in hotels or motels, the most common “location” for the abuse to occur. Whether you’re an owner or manager at a hotel or truck stop, we all have a responsibility to put an end to this horrible crime. The challenges with stopping trafficking can be daunting for those who don’t know how to start. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can make your work environment safer for everyone.
One way to start is to train employees on what human trafficking looks like and how they can recognize when someone needs help. Since this is a crime that is usually hidden in plain sight, training employees on different warning signs could truly save lives. Many victims can appear malnourished, show signs of physical abuse, avoid eye contact, and even lack personal possessions when checking in. These are just a few indicators that can be looked for when working in the hospitality industry.
Another way to combat human trafficking is to establish clear policies about what will happen if they witness one of the wanring signs. Whether that is advising upper management to call a tip line or partnering with a human trafficking organization to be proactive within your business. Many organizations are trying to be hands-on to deal with possible trafficking in their area.
Covert Results has partnered with Operation Rose to try and be a proactive force in the hospitality industry in Middle Tennessee. We are working towards deploying investigators that are certified in human trafficking investigations to review tips within the hospitality industry. These investigators will be trained through Covert Results instructors on how to handle these delicate situations. Operation Rose is also trying to partner with various hotels and motels to help training employees in what to look for regarding human trafficking. Covert Results is proud to be involved in this movement.
Covert Results is a private investigations and security company with over 100 years of experience. Our team of highly trained investigators and security experts are well versed in all types of investigations and security matters. We now have two dedicated offices, in Nashville, Tennessee and Clarksville, Tennessee. For questions about private investigations, professional security, handgun training, or consulting please email, call, or visit our website.
contact@covertresults.com 615-861-1680 CovertResults.com
