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Guidance for Policing Responders

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking — Authorised Professional Practice

All topics

Summary

This section of the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP) outlines essential guidance for policing responders detecting and responding to incidents of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT). It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding victims, understanding their needs, and following legal and procedural frameworks. Key topics include initial considerations for victim safety, age assessment procedures for potential minors, and the need for immediate risk assessments. Policing responders are directed to collaborate with appropriate agencies and ensure victims are informed of their rights under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This guidance encapsulates the role of Modern Slavery Victim Liaison Officers (MSVLOs) and provides steps for effective investigative actions, emphasizing support for victims throughout the process.

Key principles

  • 1Prioritize victim safety and immediate needs.
  • 2Engage in a trauma-informed approach in interactions with victims.
  • 3Understand statutory obligations under relevant Acts.
  • 4Utilize professional curiosity to gauge victim experiences.
  • 5Ensure timely referrals to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
  • 6Document all interactions and contributions made to the victim.

Defined terms

Children Act 2004
An Act to make provision about the safeguarding and welfare of children.
Care Act 2014
An Act that reinforces the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults.
Modern Slavery Act 2015
Legislation to consolidate and strengthen the law against modern slavery and human trafficking.
Appropriate adult
An adult who assists a child or vulnerable individual during a police investigation.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
A framework for identifying and referring potential victims of MSHT to support they are entitled to.
Independent child trafficking guardians (ICTGs)
Independent advocates for trafficked children.
Modern slavery victim liaison officer (MSVLO)
An officer tasked with supporting victims of modern slavery.

This is a brief, factual summary. The full APP guidance — including operational detail, statutory references and case studies — lives on the College of Policing website. APP is the authoritative source for UK policing practice.

Read the full APP guidance

Source: College of Policing — Authorised Professional Practice · Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0. Summary fetched 2026-06-27.