SAN DIEGO, Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The San Diego Hospitality and Entertainment Coalition (SDH&EC) announced today that SDH&EC is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on a Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention seminar on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in San Diego.
The two-hour seminar will be conducted by experts from DHS' Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego Human Trafficking Group. It is a program developed for and in collaboration with Club Operators Against Sex Trafficking (COAST), the National Association of Club Executives (ACE) and HSI. The educational program was initiated about five years ago.
"More than 100,000 of our staff have been trained thus far to identify signs of human trafficking and on how to assist law enforcement in combating this growing epidemic," stated Michael Ocello, President of COAST, who helped design the specific program to educate the owners, management, and staff of adult clubs throughout the United States.
The COAST Anti-Human Trafficking Program will be conducting the seminar for the first time in San Diego. "We are excited to have the HSI seminar in San Diego," said Dino Palmiotto, President of SDH&EC, "Our city is one of the top regions in the country for human trafficking, in part, due to our close proximity to the U.S./Mexico border. We need to educate the San Diego business community on how to deal with this crisis!"
"HSI actively engages in strengthening and establishing new and existing partnerships with private and public entities to combat human trafficking," said David Shaw, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego. "We focus our efforts on the investigations that lead us to the identification and rescue of victims of these crimes."
In addition to SDH&EC, COAST and HSI participating in this seminar, a San Diego non-profit, that works with human trafficking survivors, will be part of the agenda. The non-profit participating is Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (BSCC).
About San Diego Hospitality and Entertainment Coalition
SDH&EC is a consortium of adult entertainment establishments located in San Diego. The group was formed in 2013 to provide its members relevant political and legal information and share resources. In addition, SDH&EC is the regional voice of the industry and advocates on behalf of its members.
SDH&EC is also a member of the Association of Club Executives (ACE).
About the DHS Blue Campaign:
The Blue Campaign is the unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non- governmental and private organizations, the Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice. Find out more at:
www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign
To report suspected human trafficking:
1-866-347-2423
To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-888-373-7888
or text HELP or INFO to
BeFree (233733)
About Homeland Security Investigations (HSI):
In 2010, HSI was formed within DHS/ICE from elements of ICE's previous Offices of Investigations, Intelligence and International Affairs. HSI is a critical investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security and is a vital U.S. asset in combating criminal organizations illegally exploiting America's travel, trade, financial and immigration systems. HSI personnel are assigned to cities throughout the United States and to offices around the world. Its international force is the department's largest investigative presence abroad and gives HSI one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
MEDIA: Please RSVP by 5pm, Tuesday, January 17, 2017.
Contact:
Jaime Rojas, Jr., Media Relations
4725 Mercury Street, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92111
Cell: (213) 400-8664
[email protected]
www.SDHEC.com
SOURCE The San Diego Hospitality and Entertainment Coalition
Related Links
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article