27,500 Security Staff Complete Anti-Child-Trafficking Training

More than 27,500 private security professionals across Ireland have completed specialist anti-child-trafficking training, as MECPATHS and the Private Security Authority (PSA) mark three years of their partnership.

The partnership, launched in October 2023, saw the PSA become the first statutory body in Ireland to mandate anti-child-trafficking training for all security personnel seeking a licence to work in the Door Supervisor, Event Security and Security Guarding sectors.

The initiative recognises the unique position of security professionals to identify potential signs of child trafficking and exploitation. Their work brings them into contact with the public in environments including airports, ports, hotels, nightlife venues and major events, where signs of exploitation may not be immediately obvious.

JP O'Sullivan, Project Manager at MECPATHS, explains:

"While children are trafficked across borders and within local communities for sexual exploitation, forced labour and criminal activities, victim identification rates remain dangerously low. For children who are being trafficked, recognising the signs and ensuring concerns are appropriately reported can be a critical first step towards protection."

The 35-minute online training programme, delivered by MECPATHS for PSA-registered security personnel, equips participants to understand child trafficking in the Irish and global contexts, recognise how it intersects with the private security industry, identify potential indicators and red flags, and understand appropriate reporting procedures.

For security personnel, the training is designed to change the way potentially vulnerable children are viewed and understood. A child who appears distressed, disoriented, fearful or whose circumstances appear inconsistent may otherwise be mistaken for a child fearful of authority. Recognising the possibility of exploitation can instead prompt an appropriate safeguarding response.

John Phelan, Chief Executive of the PSA, said:

"The PSA is proud to have partnered with MECPATHS in making anti-child-trafficking training a mandatory part of the licensing process for security personnel in Ireland. This partnership reflects the important role that the private security sector can play in supporting the national response to human trafficking.

With more than 27,500 security professionals having completed the training, we have created a significant network of frontline personnel who have the knowledge to recognise potential indicators of child trafficking and understand the importance of reporting their concerns. We believe this is an important contribution to protecting vulnerable children."

Commending the PSA on its leadership, JP O'Sullivan said:

"The PSA's decision to mandate anti-child-trafficking training demonstrated great leadership and foresight. As the first statutory body in Ireland to introduce this requirement for licensed security personnel, the PSA has shown a clear commitment to safeguarding children who may come into contact with the security sector.

Every trained security professional represents another person who may recognise that something is not right. Giving frontline personnel the knowledge and confidence to identify the indicators of trafficking can make a real difference. A concern that might otherwise go unnoticed can become an opportunity to protect a vulnerable child."

The partnership forms part of the wider effort to strengthen Ireland's response to human trafficking and supports the State's National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking.

Founded in 2013, MECPATHS works to raise awareness of child trafficking and human trafficking among frontline and emerging professionals. The organisation provides training and workshops for professionals working across sectors including hospitality, aviation, security, social work, universities and healthcare. Further information is available at www.mecpaths.com.