Texas troopers have helped rescue 39 missing or sexually exploited children in trafficking-related investigations during 2013.
The Texas Department of Public Safety on Wednesday cited the agency's interdiction program that was launched in 2009.
The program is designed to teach Texas troopers and other law enforcement officers how to recognize indicators of endangered children who don't show obvious signs of abuse.
DPS says the program has led to the recovery of more than 100 missing and endangered children since 2010.
More than 30 suspects were arrested on charges including possession of child pornography, sexual assault of a child, human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children and abduction.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
