Home Office Research Report 07 - Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation:  A process review of Operation Pentameter

Key implications
Executive summary

Operation Pentameter 1 (P1) was a police-led, multi-agency campaign against trafficking for sexual exploitation. It was the first operation of its kind and involved police and partners across the United Kingdom. Its primary aim was to rescue victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation (TfSE). The live operational phase ran between February and May 2006.

Home Office researchers have conducted a process study of P1, to identify lessons learned and to inform future campaigns. Data were gathered from:

• a national police survey (sent to all police services);
• semi-structured interviews with the police operational team, key partners and police officers from case study police services;
• attendance at Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) briefings; and
• P1 training materials and newsletters.

Key findings and lessons learned are summarised in relation to:

• police awareness of TfSE;
• approach to enforcement;
• victim support;
• implementation difficulties;
• intelligence gathering; and
• developments after P1.