HOUSTON – Local and federal officials discussed Thursday their plan to combat human trafficking during Super Bowl LI.
Houston will play host to the big game on Feb. 5.
A strong message came from Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo.
"And to the johns, not here, not in our town, not in our city," he said. "When we arrest you, we will expose you for the sick person you are and your face will be in the community for all to know."
Acevedo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Thursday that authorities will be cracking down on human trafficking and prostitution for the Super Bowl.
Turner said they are taking their duties as Super Bowl hosts very seriously and they've been working on a comprehensive plan to cut down on sex trafficking. Efforts to identify victims are being ramped up and they hope to rescue them, get them help and return them to the families.
"It's because of our long-term approach that Houston has more human trafficking initiatives in place than any other major city," Turner said.
Turner touted an ad campaign that launched in the summer as the city's first steps at stopping prostitution and human trafficking. He said the aim is to educate the public to recognize the signs of trafficking and encourage them to report it to authorities.
Acevedo said his department will make a concerted effort to expose those involved in the crime.
[Raw video: Officials discuss plan to combat human trafficking during Super Bowl LI]
"We're going to start a public shaming campaign for the people who are victimizing these women," Acevedo said.
For more information about the city's plan, visit humantraffickinghouston.org.