Operation Henderson: April 2022

Last week outreach workers were out across Essex as part of Operation Henderson. Operation Henderson is the campaign to raise awareness of exploitation on public transport.

Youth Workers, Community Safety Partnerships, Community Policing Teams and Social Workers had some great conversations with bus station and train station workers, taxi drivers, members of the public and young people to raise awareness of exploitation and how individuals can report concerns.

Initial observations were that awareness of exploitation was high amongst taxi drivers, in part due to training they are required to attend. Further training for those who work on or around public transport and near stations is being offered as part of Operation Henderson.

There was extremely high awareness amongst young people themselves. It was great to hear many are taught the British Transport Police text line number in school; a safety line if they feel threatened or worried while travelling by train.