An exciting opportunity has developed for staff to be part of the development of a proactive investigative response into Modern Slavery across Greater Manchester. This unique opportunity is part of a 12 month concept to help increase prosecutions, bring offenders to justice and further safeguard potential victims of slavery. This supports GMP and the wider GM response to modern slavery and human trafficking to deliver on key priorities contained within Standing Together; the strategic plan of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner; and the national Serious and Organised Crime Strategy. This team will have the opportunity to really make an impact and improve the life of victims.

In 2015, the Modern Slavery Co-ordination Unit (MSCU) was established. The primary purpose of the Unit was to understand the threat posed by modern slavery across Greater Manchester and provide a victim centred response to victims recovered from exploitative situations. Since that the establishment of the Unit we have massively increased our understanding of the Modern slavery Threat. Between 2015 and 2018, GM experienced an 1105% increase in recorded modern slavery crimes (from 22 to 265), and a 683% increase in identified victims (from 30 to 235).

The force has invested heavily in training and has a network of Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) and Tactical Advisors. However, charging and prosecution rates are low, with GMP ranking 22nd out of the 43 forces. Over the last three years, there have been an average of 200 modern slavery crimes reported within GM, with an average of only 7 suspects charged. An average of 11 defendants a year are taken to prosecution, with the prosecution rate being 5.5% of all crimes.

We have obtained mayoral funding to develop a wider response to this. It is proposed that a proactive investigative capabilities are added to the unit on a 12 month proof of concept basis, to help increase prosecutions and further safeguard potential victims.

The new specialist team will work from Nexus House and will contain an number of ISO posts, a Programme Data Manager and a Training coordinator which will linking into the already established team. This team will be part of the Central Challenger teams and have access into all the partnership resources and benefits as required. This opportunity presents the right candidates to be involved in combating a truly terrible crime and to be at the forefront of innovation within GMP.

More information can be sought from Detective Chief Inspector Chris Mossop - 07747 648694