PCC: More To Be Done To Tackle Growing Modern Slavery Trend
The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner is calling for the police do more to tackle the growing trend around Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, as he reaffirms his commitment to support the most vulnerable.
75 incidents have been recorded since April 2019; a significant increase compared to 51 incidents in the whole of the last year, with the number of incidents projected to rise again in 2020.*
The PCC called for the force to commit to being slavery free, through proactive action and work to develop an understanding with staff and partners. As well as a formal holding to account meeting with the Chief Constable, the PCC has also set out his own modern slavery statement, outlining a number of steps including how he and his staff will remain vigilant and put measures in place to protect victims.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said “Modern slavery and human trafficking, is a continually evolving, emerging and often hidden crime type, with devastating impacts on victims. I’ve taken action and invested in services like Victim Advice Line, which help those affected, but there is much more police and partners can do to prevent and detect these crimes. Some reassuring steps have been taken, and I will continue to hold the force to account to ensure this remains a priority”
Earlier this year the PCC invested in a conference which brought together community safety partnerships, health, education, social services, youth offending services, housing, voluntary sector and more, to not only raise awareness and map current activity around modern slavery and human trafficking, but to provide opportunities to share best practice leading to local action.
Victims of Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and any other crime type can contact the PCC funded, Victim Advice line:
- Call 0800 952 3000- you will get through to a care coordinator who will discuss with you what you need
- Email [email protected] and a care coordinators will respond to you.
- Online chat – You can click here to talk to one of our care coordinators online if it’s not possible, or convenient, to talk on the phone
Issued: Monday 2nd December 2019
*75 incidents have been reported between April and October 2019. 51 incidents were reported between April 2018 and April 2019. Approximately 147 incidents are projected to be reported between April 2020 and April 2021.
