§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many wildlife liaison officers are currently in post for each police force. [4623]
§ Angela EagleA definitive list of Police Wildlife Liaison Officers (PWLOs) is not held centrally, but I understand that most forces have at least one full or part-time PWLO, and that the total number of officers who deal with wildlife enquiries is about 350. These officers mainly carry out their wildlife responsibilities voluntarily and in addition to their day-to-day police duties.
The allocation of responsibilities within forces is for each chief constable to decide, having regard to all their policing obligations, including the investigation of wildlife offences.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what training, guidance and expert advice is made available to police wildlife liaison officers. [4625]
§ Angela EagleTraining and guidance is provided within forces, and is also available from Government Departments and agencies and non-Government sources.
The annual Police Wildlife Liaison Officer' conference provides an important opportunity for training. Speakers cover a wide range of issues and subject areas and Police officers have an unparalleled opportunity to share experience and expertise.
The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime supports the network of Police Wildlife Liaison Officers. It published a handbook "Wildlife Crime: A Guide to Wildlife Law Enforcement in the UK" at the end of last year, and will publish guidance on the use of DNA evidence in wildlife investigations shortly.
Work on identifying training needs is being carried out by the Partnership, and many of its members, including my Department, contribute actively to investigations by providing advice and expertise. Separate work is also underway in the Police Service, under the direction of the Wildlife Advisor to the Association of Chief Police Officers.