In the Birmingham area of the UK, a team of six investigators has rescued 82 victims of human trafficking so far this year. But the investigators are not part of the police force – they belong to the West Midlands branch of Hope for Justice, an anti-trafficking charity that specializes in rescue, advocacy and restoration.
“The former police officers now working for the charity – whose specialisms include undercover policing and financial investigations –have conducted surveillance work, including on girls working at a nail bar that they suspected of being victims of trafficking.”
The Independent
Their investigations have included labour trafficking, sex trafficking, and organ trafficking. While they don’t have the formal authority to make arrests or conduct intrusive surveillance, they partner with the police and fill a critical gap in the region’s anti-trafficking efforts.
Read the full article here.
OUR TAKE:
- One of the most effective ways Hope for Justice has brought the community on board is by supplying businesses, shelters, and public places with a Spot the Signs poster. Community members can then call them if they notice something suspicious.
- While it’s a growing trend for police agencies to have anti-trafficking units, they can’t be everywhere all the time due to limited resources. Through their team of specially trained investigators, Hope for the Justice is providing critical support and preventing many victims from falling through the cracks.
- While we tend to hold the government responsible for dealing with big issues like trafficking, let’s always be willing to ask ourselves how we can bolster their efforts and step in where there is need.
- Asking your local anti-trafficking organization for how you can be involved is best, as they will be able to give you wise counsel and ideas.
