ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg Police Department revealed more information about a new human trafficking task force during a Wednesday morning press conference.
The Department of Justice awarded the department with approximately $740,000 over three years to create this regional task force. St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway says they will focus on education, rescue and enforcement. Multiple agencies on the local, state, and federal level will work together for this task force.
Chief Holloway believes sharing data will help them successfully go after traffickers and find victims.
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On Tuesday, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody addressed the issue. She wants people to be on the look out for signs of abuse like injuries including scars, burns and branding.
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Moody says people should pay attention to anyone who seem fearful, anxious and paranoid and if that person is speaking as if they’ve been coached or have someone speak for them.
Authorities expect human trafficking to ramp up in Florida with the Pro Bowl in Orlando on Sunday and the Super Bowl in Miami next month.
