Tempe has begun training city employees on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and how to report it.

Human trafficking comes in the forms of forced labor and prostitution and, according to the city, the average age of young people entering into sex trafficking is 14 in Arizona.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Tempe’s program will involve more than 1,600 people.

“CEASE AZ Human Trafficking 101 training will help to equip our employees so they provide more ‘boots on the ground’ here in Arizona to stop human trafficking,” said Dr. Velicia Humes, chief diversity officer.

• Avoiding eye contact and social interaction.
• Working excessively long hours all the time.
• Living at their place of employment.
• Small children working. 
• Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment.
• People not being allowed to go into public alone or speak for themselves.
• Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse.

Anyone who sees someone that may be in danger can find confidential 24/7 help at the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888, city officials said.

In Tempe, the CARE 7 crisis response team offers resources and services that support a range of needs, they said.