Combatting human trafficking - CEPOL report defines the most pressing training needs for law enforcement

The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) has just released an Operational Training Needs Analysis (OTNA) on Trafficking in Human Beings (THB).

THB is a growing concern across the EU, demanding a coordinated and comprehensive response from law enforcement. CEPOL identified THB as the fourth most urgent training priority in its EU Strategic Training Needs Assessment (EU-STNA) 2022-2025[1], drawing attention to the need for a unified effort to combat this heinous crime.

In response to the EU-STNA findings, in December 2023 CEPOL launched an Operational Training Needs Analysis (OTNA) on THB, aiming to assess the most pressing training needs for law enforcement professionals across the EU and shape its future training portfolio accordingly. Out of the 13 topics presented in the OTNA survey, nine topics were identified as highly relevant:

• Modi operandi and business models of human trafficking
• Detection of labour exploitation
• Trafficking for sexual exploitation
• National and international cooperation and information exchange
• Links to criminal finances and money laundering
• Child trafficking
• Other forms of exploitation
• Investigation techniques
• Multi-disciplinary and victim-centres approach

While some topics, namely document fraud, forensics, vulnerable groups, and prevention, received a lower prioritisation, it is important to recognise these as core capability gaps, as identified in the EU-STNA 2022-2025. As such, they should be integrated as core learning outcomes within all training initiatives, to ensuring a comprehensive approach to combatting THB that addresses immediate training needs and the underlying systemic challenges.

Overall, the OTNA analysis revealed a considerable need for awareness-level training, that is essential for establishing a fundamental understanding of THB for all law enforcement officers, irrespective of their roles. Although the responsibility for providing such foundational training typically rests with the MS, this situation suggests the necessity for enhanced collaboration between EU law enforcement training entities and the MS. It also indicates an opportunity to explore options for regional training initiatives to ensure all officers have a comprehensive baseline understanding of THB. As a next step, this approach would also open the door for more specialised training at EU level to complement and supplement national training efforts.

Read the full OTNA report on THB here.

Discover how our CEPOL EU-STNA helps law enforcement officials stay ahead of crime.