PS International Airport Joins National Program to Combat Human Trafficking

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - The Palm Springs International Airport has
partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to combat human
trafficking through a national program, officials announced today.
  

PSP has voluntarily joined the Blue Lightning Initiative, a national
program focused on preventing human trafficking across the transportation
system, where airport employees and partners will receive training to recognize
potential indicators of human trafficking and will allow them to report tips
directly to federal law enforcement.
  

``At PSP, safety is more than a responsibility, it's out top
priority,'' PSP Interim Executive Director of Aviation Victoria Carpenter said
in a statement. ``By equipping our team with even more tools to protect
travelers and our community, passengers can feel confident knowing PSP is
committed to keeping them safe.''
  

``Airports are the front lines of the aviation sector, and their
employees are uniquely positioned to recognize and respond to potential
indicators of human trafficking,'' said Julie Abraham, director of the Office
of International Transportation and Trade.
  

Airport officials said messages will be shown throughout the terminal
to encourage travelers to remain vigilant of suspicious behavior.
  

The initiative is part of the DHS Blue Campaign and is led by DHS and
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  

``The Blue Light Initiative empowers frontline transportation
professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify warning signs and safely
report concerns,'' Acting Deputy Assistant Director of the DHS Center for
Countering Human Trafficking Tasha Reid Hippolyte said in a statement.