'Top Forces' Tackling Human Trafficking

Wed, 20 May 2009 Courtesy of: Kent Police

The report highlights the work of the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) which was established in 2007 following a government proposal to develop the centre to establish closer links between the immigration service and law enforcement agencies to effectively deal with human trafficking.

When asked to cite best practice, the UKHTC rated the Metropolitan Police's specialist unit at the top of the league table, followed by teams from West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Humberside Police and Kent Police.

Targeting organised crime groups
Kent Police's Assistant Chief Constable said: 'Whilst our main objective is always to identify and rescue victims of trafficking, we are always working to make sure that those organised crime groups who are at the heart of this activity are effectively targeted. We must ensure that Kent remains a hostile environment for their criminal activity. We will not only put them before the courts but will seize any money or assets they make through this trade to ensure they do not profit from their criminality. Kent Police will not tolerate this unacceptable and inhumane treatment of vulnerable people and will bring those responsible to justice.'

Kent Police works with the UK Borders Agency (UKBA, now also consists of HMRC), Department for Work and Pensions and other partner agencies in a continued effort to identify victims of trafficking to offer help and assistance where required.

Tools to tackle trafficking
Officers from Kent Police and the UKBA use a number of tools to speak with possible victims. These include MP3 players, leaflets and computers to help with language translation of messages and to encourage them to speak to officers. It is also an opportunity for officers to educate those within the sex trade to ensure these messages are passed on should anyone come into contact with a possible victim of trafficking.

ACC Thomas continued: 'Victims often find it difficult to speak to authorities through fear of retribution towards themselves or their families in their country of origin by the organised crime group that controls them. On many occasions the organised crime group will also ensure that the victims believe the UK authorities are not to be trusted. This makes it very difficult for officers to gain their trust and for us and our partner agencies to help them out of what can be a horrendous situation.'

Victims find themselves within this situation for a number of reasons and come from a variety of backgrounds and their plight is not considered against the huge profits being made by the perpetrators.

Report trafficking
If anyone has information about trafficking in Kent, they should call Kent Police 01622 690 690 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency dial 999.

Victims of human trafficking come from a variety of backgrounds and are not just trafficked to work in the sex trade. They may be men or women, adult or child, and brought to the UK from a wide range of countries including those in the Baltic States, Eastern Europe, or the Far East.

Victims of human trafficking can be forced to work in a range of employment sectors including labour eg farm work or factory work; domestic labour; in a sauna or massage parlour or even on your high street.

It may not always be easy to tell if someone has been trafficked on first contact. However common signs include fearfulness; anxiety; disorientation; isolation / not being integrated in the wider community; reluctance; distrust of the authorities. Child victims can be suspicious and wary of adults. Some victims may show signs of physical abuse or show evidence of other abuse and vulnerabilities (ie appear mal-nourished).

Victims don't need to be moved across international borders for the crime of trafficking to be committed. The movement of a victim for exploitation within the UK for exploitation can amount to trafficking. Victims can be UK nationals.

By knowing the signs of human trafficking, members of the public can report what they see, to help in the fight against this crime.