AUSTIN, Texas — Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the globe are expected to flood Downtown Austin for South by Southwest (SXSW).
And while there are numerous exciting events that many will flock to, Austin leaders want to highlight the importance of remaining vigilant.
Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly (District 6) is specifically pointing to human trafficking.
In a city memo posted last month, Kelly said she will be bringing forth resolution to what she calls a troubling trend.
"During festivals all across the country, and even the Super Bowl is an example, human trafficking becomes front and center," Kelly said.
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According to Kelly, the resolution will direct the city manager to promote an educational campaign so people are made aware of the signs of trafficking, along with providing the necessary tools to the Austin Police Department (APD).
For example, exploring options to help APD pay for transportation for victims who are rescued. Kelly noted that officers told her they are unable to utilize ride share companies such as Uber or Lyft.
"This is a very heinous crime, and I believe they need all the tools available in order to recover these victims," Kelly said.
The resolution will explore other outlets as well, such as working with hotels in order to provide rooms for those who are rescued. Kelly said she has spoken with the Texas Lodging Association.
APD currently has a trafficking unit consisting of one sergeant, eight detectives and a victim services counselor.
Officials with the department noted that as of January 2024, APD has received 18 reports of human trafficking crimes and 17 leads on human trafficking crimes. Investigators have so far been able to rescue four people.
In 2023, the unit saved 38 people. APD also received more than 300 reports of suspected human trafficking-related incidents, got more than 150 tips or requests for information on human trafficking cases or inquiries through the APD Human Trafficking Helpline and National Human Trafficking Helpline and had more than 60 leads from Crime Stoppers.
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Kelly's resolution will be introduced during a council meeting next month.
If you have any information about a potential trafficking incident, you can call the National Trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888. You can also reach out to APD’s Human Trafficking Unit 512-974-4786 or the Crime Stopper’s tip line at 512-472-TIPS (8477).