Commissioner reaffirms his commitment to tackling the misery of modern slavery

Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston has signed a refreshed Modern Slavery Statement with Chief Constable Nick Dean.

The statement confirms the steps taken to ensure there is no modern slavery or human trafficking, forced labour or exploitation in the force’s own business or supply chain.

Modern Slavery is one of Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s strategic crime priorities.

Chief Constable, Nick Dean said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking are horrendous crimes, with people trapped in desperate situations where they feel as though there is no way out.

“We are committed to tackling modern slavery in Cambridgeshire and we have dedicated teams working hard to do just that.

“Information from the public is vital in our efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and help victims out of awful circumstances. I’d encourage everyone to be aware of the signs of modern slavery and report any concerns.”

The Commissioner took the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding support provided to victims of crime by the Specialist Victim and Witness Care Co-ordinators based in the Constabulary-run Victim and Witness Hub.

“Sadly, modern slavery is very much an issue here in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough,” said Darryl.

“It is vital we continue to support victims who are often unaware they are being exploited. Here in Cambridgeshire, we have two multi-lingual care coordinators who are able to speak to victims of crime in their first language when visited in their homes alongside police officers.”

The staff are also able to provide bespoke support to migrant victims of modern slavery (including those with insecure immigration status who are treated initially as victims).

Funded through the Commissioner’s office as part of his model of victim support services, the care coordinators also respond to referrals for support which come through the Victim and Witness Hub.

Over the twelve months (April 2022 to March 23), 340 victims were supported by the Hub.

The Constabulary has comprehensive information on its Modern slavery and trafficking webpage on how to spot the signs of modern slavery, how to report to the police and details of national support organisations.

A copy of the statement can be viewed on the Constabulary’s website: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement | Cambridgeshire Constabulary (cambs.police.uk)

For more information on support offered victims of modern slavery, please visit the Cambridgeshire Victim Services website: www.cambsvictimservices.co.uk

If you suspect someone is being exploited or is a victim of modern slavery in Cambridgeshire, report it by calling 101. For more information on spotting the signs of modern day slavery visit Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.