IFAW: Two senior police officers recognised for their commitment to combating wildlife crime

The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police and a Detective Inspector from Edinburgh received special commendations today from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for their dedication to tackling wildlife crime in the UK.

Chief Constable Richard Crompton, who is also the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) lead on wildlife crime and Detective Inspector Brian Stuart, from Lothian & Borders Police, who is Head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), have been given IFAW’s Wildlife Crime Enforcement Award which recognises outstanding efforts in combating wildlife crime.

IFAW praised their efforts in helping secure funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) to ensure it can continue to tackle wildlife crime on a local, national and international level. The NWCU handles all aspects of wildlife crime including trade in endangered species, reptile smuggling, illegal ivory, taxidermy and antiques, badger baiting, hunting with dogs, bird- related offences and dangerous wild animals.

In addition, despite the tough economic climate, Richard Crompton’s efforts have ensured that the National Wildlife Crime Conference continues to take place each year providing the opportunity to share best practice amongst a network of wildlife crime officers. IFAW also welcomed his work in creating the ACPO Investigations Manual which provides police with operational guidance on the enforcement of the Hunting Act 2004 – a key policing issue in the UK.

Through Brian Stuart’s guidance, the NWCU has gone from strength to strength and has become a key player in the international arena of tackling wildlife crime. He has worked in partnership with IFAW adopting and developing IFAW’s approach to investigating illegal wildlife sales on the Internet. The NGO praised Brian’s leadership of INTERPOL’s Wildlife Crime Working Group and welcomes news that the NWCU has secured Government funding for a dedicated analyst to combat cybercrime.

The officers were presented with their commendations by Environment Minister Richard Benyon MP at DEFRA offices today (2 February 2012). Mr Benyon said: "I was immensely proud to present the commendations to Detective Inspector Brian Stuart and Chief Constable Richard Crompton. The work being done to tackle wildlife crime is vitally important in protecting our valuable natural resources and their commitment deserves the highest recognition."

Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, said: “We are delighted to be able to pay tribute to the excellent work of both of these officers in combating wildlife crime.”

Ends

Photograph: L-R, Robbie Marsland, UK Director of IFAW, Detective Inspector Brian Stuart, Chief Constable Richard Crompton, Environment Minister Richard Benyon MP.

For more information, Hi-res photos or to arrange interviews please contact Kevin Flack in the IFAW UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7587 6710 or 07769 657291, email kflack@ifaw.org or alternatively visit www.ifaw.org

Notes to Editors:

IFAW is keen to offer commendations to other enforcement personnel, police, officials or members of the public for their efforts in tackling wildlife crime. If you would like to nominate someone please write to: IFAW Campaigns Department, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UD.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter