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England's police have a narrow view of modern slavery.
A new study researched cases of foreigners arrested in connection with cannabis farming. It interviewed growers and officers.
Growers tend cannabis plants in flats and houses. Many are forced into this illegal work to pay off debt to gangs who smuggle them into England. They aren't imprisoned but have their passports seized and keep working under threat of violence towards themselves or family back home.
Police often does not recognize this form of modern slavery tied to trafficking and debt bondage. Many migrants are jailed for years.
Police questioning is limited, superficial. Victims - who often speak no english - are forced to explain themselves rather than the police digging deeper.
Officers should have detailed training and understanding of modern slavery and be willing to refer cases to special investigators.
The study is helping England prevent modern slavery.