Modern slavery crime figures revealed

Figures on crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking offences have been revealed as part of a new HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services report.

The report, put together by the group which monitors the effectiveness of the two emergency services was released yesterday and examines how the police in England and Wales are tackling modern slavery and human trafficking crimes.

Since November 2015, the act has obliged specified authorities, including chief constables, to notify the Secretary of State when they encounter potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Six forces made over half of the total police referrals in 2016, these were Greater Manchester Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, Northumbria Police, South Yorkshire Police, West Midlands Police and West Yorkshire Police.

In 2016, West Mercia Police made 20 referrals through the national referral mechanism (NFM) and less than five more through the duty to notify procedure.

In Dyfed-Powys, there were less than five NFM referrals.

In West Mercia there were about 20 modern slavery and human trafficking offences recorded by the force either under the 2015 act or other laws.

In Dyfed-Powys, that number was about 10.

However, the report's authors say that differences have been found in the way the crimes are reported across the country and that it is not possible to assess the true level of the crime.

The report states: "Data provided by forces in response to our data request show considerable variation between forces in the number of offences being recorded, and large differences in how this is done. Of the 43 of forces, 32 recorded fewer than 50 modern slavery and trafficking offences, under either the Modern Slavery Act 2015 or other legislation. during the 15-month data collection period.

"Some forces are continuing to record higher proportions of offences under other legislation rather than offences under the Modern Slavery Act.

"This means that many modern slavery and human trafficking offences are not being recorded as such.

"These deficiencies in the current crime-recording practices for modern slavery lead us to conclude that the prevalence of modern slavery in England and Wales cannot be safely established from published recorded crime data.

Detective Inspector Steven Fitzpatrick from West Mercia Police said they are focussed on tackling the crime.

He said: "We work closely with the National Crime Agency, The Modern Slavery National Police Transformation Programme and the Regional Organised Crime Unit to ensure that when victims of modern slavery or human trafficking are identified, or a crime is reported and investigated, they receive the appropriate protection and support utilising the National Referral Mechanism.

"Police officers and staff have received training designed to raise awareness of human trafficking. Social media campaigns have raised awareness with the public to recognise the signs of trafficking and slavery and report it.

"Tackling modern slavery and human trafficking is a priority and we will continue to work with partner agencies to identify and support victims of human trafficking and seek the prosecution of those responsible."