With the World Cup drawing crowds from around the globe, local law enforcement in Massachusetts has been working proactively to keep people safe and identify potential crimes like human trafficking.

Warning Signs

Detective Lt. Michael Turgeon heads the High-Risk Victims Squad in the Massachusetts State Police Special Services Section. He explains that human trafficking is often misunderstood. "A lot of people think human trafficking is someone tied to a bedpost or chained to a radiator, but that’s not it at all," said Turgeon. State police say there are some key things the public can report to help law enforcement identify potential issues during the tournament and long after.

"Someone who looks like they’re being controlled by someone else. It could be verbally or physically controlled," explained Turgeon. Law enforcement urges anyone who sees something that just doesn’t look right to report it. "The woman might look tired, she might look like she doesn’t want to be there," said Turgeon. "Someone staying in a hotel, and the hotel room next to them has foot traffic, all night long, in and out."

Massachusetts State Police report their agency made nearly 300 human trafficking related arrests last year and 250 the year before. Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll chairs a subcommittee that is trying to create a sole response to reports of human trafficking. "It’s great to have so many people in town for an event like the World Cup, and we also know it can be an opportunity for people to exploit others," said Driscoll.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.