A police force has been criticised for sending officers on patrol wearing nail varnish to raise awareness of modern-day slavery.
Avon and Somerset Police posted photos of its officers showing off their colourful nails on Twitter.
But many were critical of Wednesday’s Let’s Nail It! campaign, with one victims’ charity branding it an ‘odd gimmick’.
Avon and Somerset Police posted photos of its officers showing off their colourful nails on Twitter
Harry Fletcher, from Voice 4 Victims, told The Sun: ‘Modern slavery must be eradicated but the way to do that is to put priorities into catching gangmasters and traffickers, rather than engaging in odd gimmicks.’
Some people took to Twitter to attack the campaign, with taxpayer Lester Solway writing: ‘How about nailing some criminals, more PC nonsense.’
Chief Constable Andy Marsh last month warned his officers had reached a ‘tipping point’ after cuts to the budget and large numbers of officers going off sick.
But the force hit back against the criticism, saying it was ‘disappointed’ with the public response.
Many were critical of Wednesday’s Let’s Nail It! campaign, with one victims’ charity branding it an ‘odd gimmick’
The police are keen to raise awareness about modern slavery and give people the tools to report it
‘We are disappointed to read to of the comments on our #AntiSlaveryDay tweets yesterday.
‘Our aim was to make people look out for signs of modern slavery and understand how to report it.
‘Nail bars are at risk of modern slavery so some officers were pictured with painted nails on Anti Slavery Day to raise awareness of an issue they care about.’
Signs that could help identify slavery victims are being flagged up as part of the new campaign.
Signs that could help identify slavery victims are being flagged up as part of the new campaign
The force hit back against the criticism, saying it was ‘disappointed’ with the public response
Crimestoppers and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA want members of the public to report suspicions about possible modern slavery cases.
They say common signs that someone may be a victim include: an unkempt appearance, poor hygiene or being under the control of others.
Others might include: having no access to or control of their passport, avoiding eye contact and showing indications of injury, abuse or malnourishment.
Research by the Home Office in 2013 estimated there were between 10,000 and 13,000 potential victims of modern slavery. Pictured: A police officer showing off her nails
Earlier this year, the National Crime Agency warned modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK are much more prevalent than previously thought.
Research by the Home Office in 2013 estimated there were between 10,000 and 13,000 potential victims of modern slavery.
Anyone with information on a possible case ofmodern slavery should contact the Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.