New Georgia law requires trafficking training for lodging employees

The law requires employees and managers to learn possible warning signs and how to report suspected trafficking.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia lodging employees must now complete annual human trafficking awareness training under a new state law that took effect July 1.

Hotel staff and management must be trained to identify signs of human trafficking and understand how to report it. They should look for red flags such as a lack of eye contact, malnutrition and signs of being controlled.

Innkeeper of the Burke Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Macon Brianna Cheeley says she has started the training process through the Georgia Hotel Association.

“They offer a free online course that’s going to meet the criteria that the states require for us,” she said. “And since it’s just myself and my boyfriend most of the time on property and staff, that’s just going to work best for us.”

Cheeley explains the steps she will take if she suspects human trafficking.

“Continue acting normal, and once we get them checked in and into their room, that’s when we’ll alert authorities and do our best not to alert them that we’re suspicious of anything of that sort,” she said.

Cheeley feels this new law is a good start to help stop trafficking not only in Middle Georgia, but throughout the state.

“Georgia’s number two in the nation as far as per capita for human trafficking,” she said. “And especially here in Macon with us being south of Atlanta and right off the interstate, we’re a good hub for this to go on. And we’re the frontline ones that see it; we’re third parties and not affiliated with these people, but we’re going to be the ones who speak up.”

The new bill went into effect on July 1st.