BASC funds national police training to combat poaching

The funding underscores BASC’s unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable shooting. Poaching and associated crimes are major concerns for rural communities. By supporting this training, BASC is helping to ensure that police officers can tackle these issues effectively and consistently, enhancing crime prevention and prosecution.

“Poaching, as we have seen recently, is a massive issue with a substantial impact on those affected, particularly rural communities, farmers, and gamekeepers” said Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and wildlife management.

“Beyond the harm it causes to wildlife, poaching undermines livelihoods, community safety, and the integrity of our countryside. A significant challenge in tackling crimes of this nature is ensuring that officers possess the necessary knowledge to respond effectively. Wildlife crime requires specialist understanding, and unfortunately, the current system of in-person training is limited by costs and operational constraints.

“The development of a digital training academy is a game-changer, breaking down these barriers by making vital resources available to all officers, no matter their location or operational pressures. BASC’s funding of this initiative reflects our commitment to supporting police efforts to address crime. By providing officers with the tools and knowledge they need, we aim to support better prevention, enforcement, and ultimately, justice for victims of such crimes.”

Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, head of the UK NWCU said: “I’d like to thank BASC wholeheartedly for funding the poaching syllabus of our digital training academy. The contribution will allow us to create the right learning environment for police officers and staff who aspire to become wildlife crime officers, and to learn at any place, any time and on their terms. Changing the way we learn will really help create a lasting legacy.

“BASC continues to show its value as a key partner by supporting the work of the NWCU. It’s been a pleasure to work with the members who sit on our priority delivery groups and having them work with us to achieving our strategic aims and objectives.”