Homeland Security To Train Tulsa Airport Employees On Spotting Human Trafficking

The Department of Homeland Security is training Tulsa airport employees on how to spot potential victims of human trafficking.

“Is it prevalent here? We don't think it's prevalent, but it happens everywhere, it happens at every airport. Everywhere you look," Homeland Security Special Agent, Rob Melton said.

Tulsa Airports CEO, Alexis Higgins, said Homeland Security would train 200 employees this week, both at the main airport and Jones airport.

“Say you're in TSA and you see someone coming in and there's a woman who doesn't have control of her ID,” said Agent Melton. “That's an initial indicator. It doesn't mean they're being trafficked, it's just something to look for.”

The airport put up signs for passengers and overhead announcements are coming.

The new effort is to encourage more reporting, so agents can check out the information and investigate as needed.

“We can vet that information, hopefully when they land, we can have people talk to them,” said Melton.

Tips are best reported to a dedicated hotline at 866-347-2423, but flight crews can also report in-flight.

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