What is human trafficking? 

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. If you or someone you know is the victim of human trafficking, please know that help is available. Report suspected human trafficking to federal law enforcement by calling 1-866-347-2423. 

Georgia Law requires certain businesses to post a notice concerning human trafficking in certain conspicuous locations in their establishment. The Thomasville Police Department mailed letters on August 13, 2024 to the identified establishments in its jurisdiction to make them aware of the law and of the department’s intent to ensure compliance. The establishments identified in the law are:

1. Adult Entertainment Establishments
2. Bars
3. Primary Airports
4. Passenger Rail or Light Rail Stations
5. Bus Stations
6. Truck Stops
7. Emergency Rooms within General Acute Care Hospitals
8. Urgent Care Centers
9. Farm Labor Contractors and Day Haulers
10. Privately Operated Job Recruitment Centers
11. Safety Rest Areas Located Along Interstate Highways
12. Hotels
13. Businesses Offering Massage or Bodywork by a Person Other Than a Massage Therapist
14. Government Buildings

The law requires that the notice is 8.5”x11” minimum with a 16-pt font minimum, and that it be printed in English and Spanish, and in any other language appropriate for the location or identified by the GBI. The GBI provides a model notice in a .pdf file for download at https://gbi.georgia.gov/human-trafficking-notice. The notice is required to be posted in those identified establishments:

1. Conspicuously in every public bathroom in the establishment.
2. Conspicuously in public view near the public entrance to the establishment/in a conspicuous location plainly visible to the public where other similar notices are posted.

Police officers will check compliance at the identified locations beginning at the end of September/beginning of October. Businesses found to still be out of compliance will then be issued a 30-day warning to become compliant. Failure to reach compliance upon the second check could result in criminal and/or civil penalties for each offense. While other public locations outside of those required by law to post are encouraged to post notice, those not required are not subject to compliance checks.

The mailings sent include a model notice suitable for copying and use, and a copy of that model notice is attached herein in .pdf format. The notice provided here will be available for download through the Thomasville Police Department’s website and social media as soon as possible.