Modern slavery and human trafficking are despicable and wide-ranging crimes that violate a person’s fundamental human rights. Perpetrated by organised criminals who prey on the vulnerable, it is a crime that is not always easy to identify and tackle as it is often hidden. With its significant coastline, airports, fast road networks and proximity to London, Essex is at the front line of fighting organised immigration crime and modern slavery.
Victims of trafficking are among the most vulnerable people in our communities, and it is one of my key priorities to help protect vulnerable people from harm. The more we can raise awareness of modern slavery among people at risk, and indeed the wider public, the less likely they will be to fall prey to those who try to manipulate them. If potential victims are alert to the dangers posed by gangs and organised crime, it will be more difficult for them to operate in our communities.
Essex and Kent Police have an established Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Team. The Team works to gather intelligence, raises awareness by working with partners, supports victims, and prosecutes perpetrators of modern slavery and human trafficking.
During my tenure, I have funded the charity Justice & Care to work with this Team and together, they developed the role of Victim Navigators to support victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. The Victim Navigator acts as a bridge between victims of modern slavery and the Essex Police, and they manage the day-to-day necessary contact with victims; whilst providing strategic advice on victim care and safety. Success of this Essex initiative subsequently saw the development of this Team to become a regional resource. I also fund anti-slavery partnerships in Southend (SAMS), Chelmsford (CASP) and Colchester to ensure issues of modern slavery and human trafficking are being tackled at a local level. In addition, victims of these crimes have access to the range of victim support services that I also commission.
On the 23rd of October 2019, tragically 39 Vietnamese people, victims of a terrible crime, were discovered dead in the back of a refrigerated transporter in Grays. Following a highly publicised criminal investigation and convictions of those responsible, I hosted an Exploited into Essex Conference in 2022. Together with Essex Chambers of Commerce, Essex Police, and Justice and Care we brought together agencies, businesses, and law enforcement from across the country to highlight the work already being undertaken, the challenges the county faces and what can be done together to build resilience against these forms of crime and stop exploitation in Essex.
My focus remains, and exploitation will not be tolerated in Essex. Together, we must all continue to do everything we can to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking wherever it exists.
