An inspection into improving the response to organised immigration crime
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Home Secretary
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
10th July 2025
An inspection into improving the response to organised immigration crime
I am writing to you in response to His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection to assess how effectively the police and National Crime Agency tackle organised immigration crime.
The inspection findings make clear that organised immigration crime remains a persistent and evolving threat with criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals and undermining public confidence.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, my West Mercia Safer Communities Plan sets out my commitment to tackling serious and organised crime (SOC) including bringing offenders to justice, being responsive to the needs of those most vulnerable to exploitation and improving data sharing with partners to better inform activity.
Last year, West Mercia Police were inspected as part of the HMICFRS inspection programme around their response to SOC and several areas of concern were raised. In response to this, the force developed a SOC improvement plan to address issues identified with regular scrutiny through my assurance and accountability programme. Whilst the forces improvement plan will feature a range of SOC threats, many of its elements such as intelligence management, investigations and partnership working are directly relevant to organised immigration crime.
Through my oversight and scrutiny activity, I have been reassured that the force has reviewed its investigative model to ensure cases are allocated promptly with appropriate supervision. They have developed various toolkits and guidance materials aimed at different departments including initial response, investigations and debrief processes.
I have also been updated on the work West Mercia Police do with partners such as immigration enforcement, the National Crime Agency and neighbouring forces through the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU).
Whilst improvements have been made in relation to partnership engagement, more needs to be done to fully develop a coordinated approach. Tackling organised crime requires consistently strong relationships with a range of agencies. Through my Crime Reduction Board, I continue to have oversight and challenge the local partnership approach to SOC with key partners including local authorities, health colleagues, fire and rescue and probation.
Recognising the close links between organised immigration crime and wider exploitation, the force has embedded Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) advisors across key departments. These individuals are trained to provide operational advice and support during incidents.
Safeguarding vulnerable individuals exploited through organised immigration crime is a vital part of the response. The force has introduced safeguarding protocols and referral pathways alongside training to improve officer awareness. However, I remain focussed on how consistently they are applied across the force and how well partnership arrangements support a joined-up victim response.
In support of the wider safeguarding response, I continue to fund a modern slavery advocate who is embedded within local partnerships and works directly with the police. The advocate plays a key role in providing immediate victim support during warrants, operations and ongoing investigations.
Summary
The exploitation of individuals through organised crime is a serious and complex threat. I will continue to scrutinise the forces governance, operational readiness and partnership working in this area.
John Campion
Police and Crime Commissioner
West Mercia