Police officers updated on the rise of modern slavery
POLICE officers from across Wales met in Carmarthen to be updated on a crime that’s on the rise in the country – modern slavery.
It’s an unseen crime, where the victims can be men, women and children of all ages, and it preys on the most vulnerable.
Dyfed-Powys Police said they are determined to do all they can to tackle modern slavery, and play a part in making Wales hostile to slavery.
As part of this commitment DyfedPowys Police hosted the first Modern Day Slavery Investigator course in Wales, in order to ensure that officers have the knowledge and are properly equipped to deal with slavery.
Between January 8 and 11, officers from Dyfed-Powys Police, Gwent Police and Border Force came together for a course delivered by the College of Policing in Carmarthen.
Detective chief inspector Anthony Evans said: “We are committed to tackling all forms of exploitation and modern slavery, and were therefore keen to be the first to bring this specialised training to the southern Wales region, and to share the opportunity with our colleagues in Gwent and Border Force. I’m grateful to DS Dale Scriven and DC Ceri Williams for organising this and ensuring we made it happen as soon as possible.
“To reinforce our victim-focused approach to these crimes, it’s important we have officers who are well versed on the signs of slavery and that they can undertake slavery investigations confidently. Victims are vulnerable people who need help but are frightened, and none of these jobs are easy. During the course they will learn about the international and national profile, relevant offences and common factors associated with slavery.
“We know that men, women and children may be forced into various types of slavery, including forced prostitution, child trafficking, criminal exploitation, domestic servitude, forced labour and sexual exploitation. We all have a part to play in helping these vulnerable victims, and I urge anyone who suspects slavery or exploitation to report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121700. In an emergency call 999.”