SAN ANTONIO – Human trafficking is a very real problem that affects us all, said San Antonio Police Chief Anthony Trevino on Wednesday as he unveiled a series of videos that he hopes will help combat the problem.
"It happens in our neighborhoods and our communities," Trevino said. "It is a problem for all of us to deal with."
The latest way the department is dealing with the problem is by producing a series of video presentations that Trevino said will serve a two-fold purpose: by reaching out to silent and hidden victims to let them know that help is available and to give the public signs to look for in identifying possible victims.
Trevino said that there is a reason that the videos feature messages from uniformed police officers.
"Often times, the victims of human trafficking don't feel that they can come to police officers for help, so that's why we made sure that the ones presenting information on how to get help were police officers," Trevino said.
The chief was joined by members of the Alamo Area Coalition Against Human Trafficking as he unveiled the videos.
"Our purpose is to support those who have already fallen victim to this crime and also to prevent this from happening again," said Miriam Elizondo, of the Rape Crisis Center.
The videos will soon be showing on the San Antonio Police Department's website, as well as other department social media platforms, including their Facebook page.