Commissioner and Chief Constable reaffirm commitment to eradicating modern slavery

Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston has pledged his commitment to eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking by signing a refreshed Modern Slavery Statement with Chief Constable Simon Megicks. 

The two reaffirmed their commitment to tackle the crime at the Commissioner's recent Police Accountability Board meeting - the regular mechanism through which the Commissioner holds the Chief Constable to account. 

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 day slavery can be hiding in plain sight with workers exploited, held captive and often threatened or punished to stop them escaping. 

“When we talk about slavery it is, to many, incomprehensible that it exists in our county, but it is unfortunately very much an issue,” explains the Commissioner.  

“Seeking support can be difficult for many migrants who come to the UK believing they are being given a job and a new life only to discover when they arrive here, they are being condemned to a life of slavery.  

“They don't always understand they are victims of crime until someone explains to them that they are being exploited. I am committed to ending slavery and I encourage anyone who is a victim, or knows of a victim, to contact Cambridgeshire's Victim and Witness Hub for support.” 

A couple were recently jailed for their part in a modern slavery operation that stole thousands of pounds from a man working at a McDonalds restaurant in Cambridgeshire. 

Chief Constable Simon Megicks said: “Modern day slavery is a truly horrendous crime – targeting those responsible remains a priority for our force.  

“We know victims of slavery do not and often cannot speak out, so it’s crucial for everyone to be aware of the signs of modern slavery.  

“We encourage anyone who suspects these crimes are happening or where something doesn’t look quite right, to report it to us. We would much rather visit the premises and discover everything is legitimate than have a victim of slavery trapped in an unimaginable situation. 

“I echo the words of the Commissioner – we are committed to eliminating modern slavery and encourage everyone to report slavery concerns to us so we can investigate. Your actions may just free someone from a desperate situation.”