Hotel/Motel Information

Most sex trafficking situations occur in hotels or motels due to the privacy and anonymity of the hospitality industry.

The more people that are aware of human trafficking and can recognize the signs, the more victims we can rescue from these situations.

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Human Trafficking Section is providing training to build awareness in the hospitality industry. 

For information or to participate, please contact us at:

humantraffickingmnpd@gmail.com or by calling (615) 862-7452

Indicators for Hotel & Motel Staff

• Individuals show signs of physical abuse, restraint, and/or confinement.
• Individuals lack freedom of movement or are constantly monitored.
• Individuals avoid eye contact and interaction with others.
• A group of males or females with identical tattoos in similar locations. This may indicate “branding” by a trafficker.
• Individuals appear to be with a significantly older “boyfriend” or in the company of older males.
• Individuals have few or no personal items—such as no luggage or other bags. Individuals have no control over or possession of money or ID. 

Indicators for Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Room Service Staff

•  “Do Not Disturb” sign used constantly.
• Individuals loitering in hallways or appearing to monitor the area.
• Minors left alone in room for long periods of time.
• Extended stay with few or no personal possessions.
• Constant flow of men into a room at all hours.
• Excessive amounts of sex paraphernalia in rooms (condoms, lubricant, lotion, etc.).
• Smell of bodily fluids and musk.
• Excessive amounts of cash in a room.
• Requests room or housekeeping services (additional towels, new linens, etc.), but denies hotel/motel staff entry into room.

Indicators for Concierge, Bellman, Front Desk, Security and Valet Staff

• The same person reserving multiple rooms.
• Few or no personal items when checking in.
• Room paid for with cash or pre-loaded credit card.
• Individuals dropped off at the hotel or visit repeatedly over a period of time.
• Minor taking on adult roles or behaving older than actual age (paying bills, requesting services).
• Individuals leaving room infrequently, not at all, or at odd hours.
• Individuals checking into room have no identification.
• Room is rented hourly, less than a day, or for long term stay that does not appear normal.

Indicators for Food & Beverage Staff

• Patron claims to be an adult although appearance suggests he/she is a minor.
• Individuals waiting at a table or bar and picked up by a male (trafficker or customer).
• Individuals loitering and soliciting male patrons.