The Ottawa airport has partnered with the Ottawa Police Service and #NotInMyCity to train airport staff to identify and report human trafficking [1].
This initiative targets a critical transit hub where traffickers often move victims across borders. By equipping non-law enforcement staff with the ability to spot red flags, the partnership aims to intercept trafficking operations before victims are moved further from help.
The program focuses on training personnel to recognize the subtle signs of coercion and distress. Because airport employees are often the first point of contact for travelers, their ability to flag suspicious behavior to authorities is a central component of the strategy.
Const. Michael Acanfora, a spokesperson for the Ottawa Police Service, said, "This initiative will help us identify potential victims of human trafficking" [1].
The collaboration includes the anti-trafficking organization #NotInMyCity, which provides specialized expertise in the patterns of modern slavery. This multi-agency approach ensures that staff have a direct line of communication with law enforcement when a potential victim is identified.
Airport security and service staff are being taught to look for indicators, such as a traveler who is not in possession of their own travel documents, or someone who appears to be under the strict control of another person. These observations are then reported through established channels to the Ottawa Police Service for immediate investigation [1].
“"This initiative will help us identify potential victims of human trafficking,"”
This partnership reflects a growing trend in 'eyes-on' policing, where private sector employees at high-traffic transit hubs are integrated into public safety networks. By transforming airport staff into a frontline observation layer, law enforcement can expand their surveillance capabilities without increasing the number of uniformed officers on the floor, potentially increasing the rate of victim recovery in international and domestic travel corridors.
