West Midlands Police (WMP) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) employ a "Public Health Approach" to tackle modern slavery, focusing on five core pillars: Building Foundations, Intervention & Prevention, Care & Support, Enforcement, and Transitions. The region frequently records the highest number of National Referral Mechanism (NRM) referrals in the UK outside of London.
Core Operational Strategies
Specialist Training: All officers and staff undergo mandatory training to identify signs of exploitation. Specialist investigators and Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) receive advanced two-day training focused on the unique challenges of victim engagement and building trust for effective prosecutions.
Partnership & Disruption: WMP works closely with the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network to coordinate multi-agency activity, share best practice, and disrupt criminal operations across the region.
Supply Chain Transparency: As a major procurer, WMP applies a robust risk-based methodology to its £80m+ annual spend, including mandatory compliance checks for all critical suppliers under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Targeted Enforcement: Initiatives like the "Winter of Action" use data-driven "HEX areas" to focus resources on hyperlocal crime hotspots where exploitation is likely to occur.
Victim Support & Advocacy
Independent Advocacy: The region employs Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) who provide technical advice to professionals and direct support to survivors to help them navigate legal and social systems.
Survivor Voices: The V.O.I.C.E (Voice of Insight, Change and Empowerment) panel integrates individuals with lived experience into the design of police and regional anti-slavery strategies.
Emergency Care: Partners like Black Country Women’s Aid provide specialist refuge and outreach, while the SafePlace service offers emergency accommodation specifically for adult male victims.
How to Report or Get Help
If you suspect modern slavery is happening, you can report it through these official channels:
