Ref:45/07 March 23, 2007
ACPO SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT’S SIGNING OF THE EU CONVENTION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Dr Tim Brain, ACPO Spokesperson on Vice and Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary, welcomed the UK’s signing of the European Convention on Human Trafficking which took place today.

“The Association of Chief Police Officers is very pleased to support the Government’s signing of the European Convention.

“There is obvious symbolism with the signing falling on the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, but it reminds us in many practical respects that slavery is still with us and is still prevalent in the UK.

“We have long called for the signing of the European Convention on Human Trafficking and we are pleased that it has now come about.

“However, this is just not signing a piece of paper. It is important that it is now followed up with resources that will enable us to increase opportunities to detect the pernicious crime of trafficking humans for sexual exploitation and to ensure that we have enough safe housing in the country to protect and support the rescued victims.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.

• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.