Former MPS detective becomes slavery commissioner
The former head of the Metropolitan Police Services Human Trafficking Unit, Kevin Hyland, has been appointed as the UKs first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
The former head of the Metropolitan Police Services Human Trafficking Unit, Kevin Hyland, has been appointed as the UKs first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
Mr Hyland was appointed to the role by Home Secretary Theresa May on November 13.
He will work closely with law enforcement agencies, local authorities and third sector organisations to encourage good practice in the identification of victims and the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of modern slavery crimes.
The newly-created role will see him spearhead the UKs fight against modern slavery, focusing on strengthening law enforcement efforts in the UK and internationally, as well as helping to ensure that public authorities identify and support slavery victims effectively.
The commissioner will have a UK-wide remit, ensuring that modern slavery issues are tackled in a co-ordinated and effective manner.
Mrs May said Mr Hyland will play a crucial role in driving improvements in the law enforcement response to modern slavery.
I am grateful to Mr Hyland for undertaking this challenging and exciting work and know that he will make a real difference. His background in dealing with some of the most serious modern slavery crimes makes him ideally suited to the task and I know he shares my determination to rid the UK of the evil of slavery.
Mr Hyland said: I have seen first-hand how modern slavery can devastate lives and rid people of their dignity and humanity.
I am proud to take up this position to work in the interests of these brave victims and to prevent more people becoming victims in the first place.
The role is independent and Mr Hyland will be required to publish annual reports for Parliamentary scrutiny.
The Government hopes his work will complement Baroness Newloves role of Victims Commissioner.
The creation of the position is one of the main provisions of the Modern Slavery Bill currently going through Parliament.
Mr Hyland will act as designate commissioner until the Bill achieves Royal Assent, which is expected in 2015.
The appointment comes as this years Global Slavery Index, run by the anti-slavery campaign group Walk Free, estimates that 0.5 per cent of the worlds population approximately 36 million people live in slavery. All 167 countries surveyed showed some evidence of slavery and the figures are a 20 per cent increase on 2013, due mainly to better data and methodology.