College launches consultation on updated modern slavery guidance
The College of Policing is consulting on updated guidance for modern slavery and human trafficking.
Since the creation of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in 2009, the number of people who have been identified as potential victims of modern slavery has been steadily rising. The latest figures show 17,004 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office in 2023, the highest annual number since the NRM began.
This included 7,432 referrals for child potential victims, the highest on record, while the number of referrals for females (4,088) was also an all-time high.
While the college says this demonstrates that policing and partners are improving at identifying potential victims and there is better awareness of the reporting system, “it is evident much more needs to be done”.
“Modern slavery can take many forms, including human trafficking – where victims are taken between countries or around a country so they can be exploited – as well as sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and criminal exploitation,” the college said.
“Cases of modern slavery are often linked to organised crime groups and networks who target vulnerable people, including children and young people.
“Many victims often don’t realise they are in slavery or being exploited and are often targeted, for example, if they have financial, social or health issues, or because of their age or immigration status.
“These crimes can have a devastating impact on vulnerable individuals and communities. Add to this the links to organised crime networks, and it is evident much more needs to be done.”
The college has updated its Authorised Professional Practice (APP) on modern slavery to include to incorporate new legislation and what is working to tackle modern slavery and prevent more vulnerable people becoming victims.
The APP provides guidance for:
- Frontline officers – including on the types of exploitation, spotting the signs that someone is a victim, and what actions to take to keep victims safe and support an effective investigation;
- Investigators – including safeguarding vulnerable victims so they are no longer at risk, how to build an evidence-led investigation into this complex type of crime, and how they can access regional and national support during their investigation;
- Supervisors – including how they should ensure cases of modern slavery are investigated thoroughly and effectively by officers and staff who possess the right skills and experience; and
- Senior leaders – including how they should establish processes that support all officers and staff within their force to understand, prioritise and respond to the threat of modern slavery.
The college is seeking views on whether the guidance is clear and easy to use and how it will impact officers and their force.
To have your say, read the consultation document, then complete the online questionnaire.
The consultation closes at 11:59am on November 12, 2024.