Report recommends ways to tackle wildlife crime

Specialist prosecutor role and clear strategy for reducing crime needed, inspection says

News, 16 April 2008

A new report has recommended the creation of a specialist prosecutor for wildlife crime in Scotland.

Published today, the joint inspection report on wildlife crime, by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS) and the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, highlights the need for a clear wildlife crime reduction strategy from the Scottish Government, through a national co-ordinating group.

Other recommendations include better investigation standards for wildlife crime, and making a senior police officer responsible for wildlife crime in each of Scotland’s eight police forces.

The remit to prepare the report followed a debate at the Scottish Parliament in October last year.

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary Paddy Tomkins said: "Wildlife crime detracts from one of Scotland's greatest assets – its natural and national heritage. This review confirms that the public indignation that such crimes create, deserves and can be met with a professional and effective level of response from enforcement agencies.

"In doing so we will further marginalise and isolate those few offenders who continue to commit wildlife crime."

Solicitor General Frank Mulholland QC added: "The report makes a number of recommendations for improving how COPFS tackles wildlife crime. To ensure that these recommendations are implemented quickly and effectively, I have instructed Tom Dysart, the area procurator fiscal for Dumfries and Galloway and our lead specialist on wildlife crime, to produce an action plan and oversee the detailed implementation of these recommendations."