‘weakness’ in crime recording

Police are failing to investigated modern slavery cases due to “chronic weaknesses” in crime recording, according to the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s annual report.

Kevin Hyland, the country’s first independent anti-slavery commissioner, who was appointed by PM Theresa May last year, released his first report last week. While praising the efforts of frontline staff and recognising the progress already mate, Mr Hyland says there is still a way to go.

He wrote: “Inadequacies in crime reporting impact not only present and future victims, but could also allow organised crime groups to act with impunity, compromising the UK’s national security. We owe it to victims of modern slavery to continue to improve the law enforcement and criminal justice response domestically and internationally. ”

In 2015, 117 offenders were prosecuted for modern slavery offences in the UK – 19% higher than the previous year. The full report can be read at www.gov.uk