Humberside Police enlists task force to tackle modern-day slavery

Seasonal Workers

IN these unprecedented times, protecting the area’s most vulnerable people remains Humberside Police’s main priority, which is why a new task force specialising in modern day slavery and human trafficking has been established.

The recent restrictions on daily life will make it even harder for victims of modern day slavery to be seen, which is why the force is committed to focusing work in this area with the launch of Operation Wilberforce.  

Providing a proactive, investigative response to allegations of modern day slavery and human trafficking, Operation Wilberforce is made up of a dedicated team of specialist officers. The team also provide training, support and guidance to colleagues, strengthening the force’s knowledge in this area, and seek to build relationships with partners in a cross-section of society; including local authorities, businesses and health care providers, to raise awareness, gather intelligence and work together to protect the most vulnerable within our society.

Detective Chief Inspector Christine Calvert, Modern Day Slavery lead at Humberside Police, said: “Although you may not see it, modern day slavery exists in the Humberside Police area and often goes unnoticed in our local communities. Sadly, it’s happening all around us in places we might usually visit, but it goes unnoticed. From the local hand car wash, a nail bar or even your village takeaway – slavery and trafficking is a growing cause for concern across the entire Humber region.”

The three most common forms of modern day slavery in our area are forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. There is no typical victim profile - victims can be men, women and children of all ages, but it is normally more prevalent amongst the most vulnerable, including minority groups or those who are socially excluded.

The operation is being supported locally by a wider marketing campaign highlighting vulnerability - What Do You See? The campaign will explore how vulnerability may look, in its many different forms, and communicate some of the signs to help spot it. The campaign will start in July with a focus on modern day slavery, and Humberside Police are asking for the support of the business community to be vigilant against such issues.

To find out more about modern day slavery in our region and the top 10 signs to help spot it, please visit:

humberside.police.uk/operation-wilberforce