About 30 people attended this very informative talk. The Hertfordshire Constabulary Operation Tropic team was launched about 2 years ago to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking in Hertfordshire. Duncan explained that modern slavery is closer than we think. Victims could be labouring on a nearby building site, giving manicures at a nail salon, working at a car-wash, or even working as agency staff in reputable businesses. The Operation Tropic team rely on the community to help identify such victims, who can be any age, gender, nationality or ethnicity. Some signs to look out for include:
Behaviour – withdrawn and not willing to talk, or allow others to speak for them when addressed directly
Work – inappropriate clothing for the job and no rest area
More detailed information can be found on the website modernslavery.co.uk
If you think someone might be a victim of modern slavery you can call the 24/7 Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 121 700, or if you would prefer to speak directly to the police in a non-emergency, call 101.
