Beach Boulevard is one of the areas police believe they're making a difference. But they also need the owners of the establishments to join them in what they refer to as modern-day slavery.
Authorities say the people who own and manage the motels are the boots on the ground in the war against human trafficking. Police say if a motel clerk is suspicious about a customer he needs to reach out.
"The huge misunderstanding is that people think it's a choice," said Oree Freeman, a survivor. "No kid at 11,12 or 13 years old or any age chooses to grow up and be a prostitute"
Freeman says she fell into "the life" at 11 years old, a runaway seeking what she didn't have at home.
I wanted someone to notice me," she said. "I wanted someone to teach me and guide me.
The human trafficking task force wants to put those places on alert.
Today nearly 100 people who own and operate hotels were trained in ways to spot pimps and their victims.
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"I have learned you have to pay attention to people when they check in," said Peter Bhaget, a motel manager. "You have to pay attention to the age of the people that check in, then you can determine if there is human trafficking going on."
Organizers of the seminar say housekeepers may be the best eyes and ears of trafficking prevention.
"When they avert their eyes, when they look bruised, if they look apprehensive, it's time to reach the authorities," said Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerton.
Police say they hope they're called in before it's too late. When they arrive they have come to rescue, not arrest.
Freeman says just making eye contact might have saved her sooner.
There is actually a seal of approval that gets posted at these motels, the logo of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force. Organizers say it sends a message that someone is watching.
