Today, Monday 26 March, the Modern Slavery Police Transformation
Unit published its first annual report.
The report highlights the work of the Unit since it was set up in
April 2017 to help forces support vulnerable victims and bring
more perpetrators to justice.
The report demonstrates the significant increase in the number of
modern slavery operations being led by the police, with the
number of live operations tripling since 2015, when the Modern
Slavery Act 2015 became law.
In February of this year police held 568 live Modern Slavery
operations, more than triple the 188 being managed in December
2015.
Police force investigations are also driving the rise in
referrals of suspected victims of modern slavery to the National
Referral Mechanism, as announced today by the National Crime
Agency.
“The Modern Slavery Police Transformation Unit, funded by the
Home Office, is supporting forces and other agencies to improve
the way modern slavery is tackled in the UK, and this rise is
partly down to the increased awareness and proactivity of
police,” says the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for
Modern Slavery, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer.
“It means police are identifying more victims of modern slavery
than ever before, ensuring they get the support they need and
exploitation is stopped.
“Identifying and investigating modern slavery is rarely clear
cut. But the increase in police-led operations shows that police
are recognising the signs of this incredibly complex crime.
“However, we know there is still work to do and we will continue
to improve how we deal with modern slavery and support victims.
“Modern slavery is a crime that crosses borders and requires many
agencies to work together. International cooperation is often
necessary, sometimes from countries where slavery is not even
recognised as a crime.
“As highlighted in the annual report, a huge amount of work
has gone into increasing our understanding of the complexities of
tackling modern slavery. For example, the Unit has developed the
National Modern Slavery Operations Database which means we have
an overview of operational activity in all 43 police forces for
the first time. It is also developing an evidence base for
developing best practice and training.
“The national police transformation programme brings together
experts from 20 different national and international
organisations, including Europol. It helps bridge the gap between
forces and other agencies and facilitates information sharing on
local, national and international levels.”
, West Yorkshire’s
Police and Crime Commissioner and National Police and Crime
Commissioner Lead for Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery says:
“We have come a long way in recent years to improve the
identification and recovery of potential victims of human
trafficking and modern slavery who are some of the most
vulnerable people in our communities.
“As Chair of the National Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery
Network for PCCs in England and Wales, I am greatly encouraged by
the significant progress made in the police and partner response
to modern slavery over the last twelve months and the work of the
Modern Slavery Police Transformation Programme to influence and
support this progress.
“I also welcome the announcement of reforms to the National
Referral Mechanism (NRM) which will help to improve the
identification and support for victims.
“I will continue my commitment with PCC colleagues and partners
in this area and help to drive forward our collective efforts
regionally and nationally, working together with partners such as
the Modern Slavery Transformation Unit, NCA, voluntary/charity
organisations and policing generally in tackling the vile crimes
associated with human trafficking.”
The Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability,
says: “Modern slavery and trafficking
are cruel and wicked crimes that see perpetrators target some of
the most vulnerable in society.
“This Government is leading world in responding to this
horrendous crime. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 gives law
enforcement agencies the tools to tackle modern slavery,
including maximum life sentences for perpetrators and enhanced
protection for victims.
“Via the Police Transformation Fund the Home Office
provided Devon & Cornwall Police £8.5 million to transform
the national policing response. This has helped to provide
funding for over 60 new and dedicated roles focused on
strengthening the operational response. There is much more to be
done to end this despicable crime, but this report shows that we
are seeing a step change in the police response to modern
slavery.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Report under embargo:
https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/download/910c542fd5da423a8daa16f75dee38e6
