CHESHIRE POLICE TACKLING MODERN SLAVERY

TACKLING MODERN SLAVERY

Anti-Slavery Day (18 October) aims to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking. Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, is urging the public to recognise the signs of modern slavery and know where to report concerns.

Research by the Coalition to Stop Slavery discovered that 52% of adults in the UK believe that they have witnessed victims of modern slavery. However, only 35% of those raised their concerns to the police or other organisations, often because they were not sure who to contact about it.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said "A priority in my Police and Crime Plan is to protect vulnerable and at-risk people, in particular victims of modern slavery and human-trafficking. I am committed to working alongside Cheshire Constabulary and partner agencies to ensure that Cheshire is a hostile environment for criminals to operate."

Modern slavery tends to come in different forms, which include human trafficking, forced labour, bonded labour, child slavery, child and forced marriage, descent-based slavery, domestic work and slavery, and slavery in supply chains.

GoodSAM technology used in Cheshire Constabulary's Force Control Centre recently enabled officers to locate a victim of modern slavery. The technology allows 999 callers to have live video contact with their call handler by sending a link to the individual's smartphone. The caller's live location is also sent through to the Control Centre so that they can be located quickly and easily.

Signs of modern slavery include where people :
* Appear to be under control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others
* Not have personal identification on them
* Have few personal belongings, wear the same clothes every day, or have unsuitable clothes
* Not be able to move around freely
* Be reluctant to talk to strangers or authorities
* Appear frightened, withdrawn, or show signs of physical or psychological abuse
* Dropped off and collected for work always in the same way, especially very early or late at night.

If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, you should contact :
* Police – always call 999 in an emergency.
* Crimestoppers (anonymously if you wish) on 0800 555 111
* The Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 121 700

Email: pcc@cheshire.police.uk Website: www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk