24 Oct 2017
CC Shaun Sawyer: police are actively seeking out and uncovering modern slavery
Today HMICFRS have released their report into the police's response to the implementation of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. The report shows that progress has been made in policing, but more still needs to be done.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Modern Slavery, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said:
“We fully accept the recommendations included in this report.
“In August 2016 we put together a plan to transform our response to modern slavery and human trafficking. Working closely with the National Crime Agency, the Home Office Modern Slavery Unit and the independent reviewer of the Modern Slavery Act, Caroline Haughey, we have already made good progress in addressing the report’s recommendations.
“HMICFRS’s inspection period ended in April 2017 and in the same month specialist teams dedicated to helping forces to improve their response and enhance the intelligence capability came into operation.
“The police service is now actively seeking out and uncovering modern slavery. Across England and Wales there are currently over 400 active investigations, an increase of 218 per cent from November 2016 - 85 per cent of which are led by the police.
“The policing challenge ahead is considerable but we are committed to building on our achievements and improving our approach so we consistently safeguard victims and crack down on those who make profit from people.”
Contact information
Communications office
By phone: 0800 538 5058
By email: press.office@npcc.police.uk
