Catherine Meredith Published: 15th July 2016 The issues There is no dispute that: there is no precise data on the number of victims of trafficking currently in the UK; that a proportion of victims come into contact with the State; that some victims are referred into the National Referral Mechanism for identification and support (NRM) and some are not; and some are recognised as victims of trafficking and some are not. Absent an effective investigation or proper enquiry , if victims are not identified , they may face detention , removal , destitution , re-trafficking and other serious forms of harm. It is imperative that all frontline staff are properly trained so that they are able to recognise and identify victims of trafficking , investigate their cases , and take necessary action to protect – such as making a referral into the NRM.3 The investigative and identificatory obligations fall squarely on the state: self-identification by victims is not to be relied upon. This presentation looks at the core duties to investigate , identify , and protect; the source of those duties; and their application in situations where the police and the Home Office are most likely to come into contact with victims – enforcement action , immigration crime raids , police stations , prisons , detention centres , screening , immigration procedures , and visa posts. The positive duties on the state to investigate trafficking and protect victims