"Times letters: Merging police forces in England and Wales"

A letter by Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, features in The Times on the impact of outdated police structures on forces' ability to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking.

"Times letters: Merging police forces in England and Wales" (The Times, 08/01/20)

The response to modern slavery and human trafficking requires international and national co-operation. The National Crime Agency targets the most sophisticated gangs but most slavery and trafficking is happening in local police forces. 

A smaller number of larger forces would break down barriers to intelligence sharing and effective investigation. Alongside additional resources, restructuring should be part of the new approach to policing.

You can read the full letter here.