Question
Can the Chief Constable outline the PSNI resouirce dedicated to animal welfare both centrally and locally?
Answer
Answer from Police Service
The Police Service lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime is Superintendent Brian Kee. Superintendent Kee oversees the Wildlife Unit which comprises a Wildlife Liaison Officer and full time administrative support. There is also a Constable currently seconded to the team. The Wildlife Liaison Officer works centrally to provide specialist advice, support and guidance to local officers and staff across the organisation on any animal related or wildlife concern. This ensures that best possible outcomes and investigative standards are achieved. At a local level, District rural crime leads also work to reinforce guidance from the Wildlife Unit and signpost officers and staff to proactively engage with the central team.
The Police Service works in close partnership with Council Animal Welfare Officers, ensuring a collaborative approach to investigations.
In terms of training, all police officers and contact management staff are trained on animal welfare and wildlife crime. Training content for police officers consists of a two hour package of relevant offences, legislation, short films and initiatives. Training also highlights the role of the central Wildlife Unit for awareness and consistency of approach.