Modern Slavery Advisor warns of hidden exploitation in Suffolk
They say that with more awareness, more can be done to help
Suffolk Police’s Modern Slavery and Vulnerable Communities Advisor says growing public awareness is helping officers identify more victims, as a major day of action in Ipswich uncovered further suspected trafficking cases.
John French, who has worked in his role for almost five years, was part of the multi-agency operation which saw nearly 100 vehicles stopped and eight arrests made. Two of those detained by Immigration Enforcement were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
French said his work on operations like this centres on identifying “potential victims, but also perpetrators of slavery as well, so people who force other people into doing things that they don't want to do.”
During the day of action, officers made an immigration arrest after stopping a delivery van brought in for vehicle faults. Inside, French said one man was found to be a student working illegally, while the driver “was actually an overstayer, so he'd committed an immigration offence.”
He added that officers were also examining another vehicle where “we have got an immigration offence and we have got concerns around the passengers.”
French, who previously worked in social care and specialised in the exploitation of young people and families, said the nature of victims’ reactions can vary widely.
“There’s no real simple answer to that because it really depends on the individual,” he said. “Some people… ally themselves with the person who's actually the perpetrator, kind of like Stockholm syndrome. But other people also don't identify themselves as victims. Some people are obviously incredibly grateful when we take them out of the situation of exploitation.”
Public awareness
He said public awareness is driving an increase in reports: “There has been an increase, but I think it's more about the community being more aware and more readily reporting things that they see.”
French urged the public to act if they suspect someone is being exploited.
“If you're concerned about somebody… always call the police. Never worry about calling 999. If you don't want to talk to the police, then you can always report things anonymously, either through CrimeStoppers or there are various modern slavery charities as well.”
He said the Ipswich operation, which involved Suffolk Police, neighbouring forces and agencies including Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards and HMRC, shows why joint working is crucial.
“It's about pooling all the intel that we've got collectively and… being able to interact with the general public,” he said. “We are pulling people out who are victims, but also identifying perpetrators. In that respect, this sort of day is really important.”
In total, 97 vehicles were brought to the Copdock truck stop for checks. Only 27 were found to be free of offences.