Wildlife Liaison Officer
The Police Service's Wildlife Liaison Officer raises awareness of wildlife and welfare issues and is the central point of contact within the Police Service for police and police staff when support and advice is required regarding wildlife crime and cruelty offences against animals.
The main areas of responsibility for the Wildlife Liaison Officer include:
- Advice and guidance for Police Officers and Police Staff in the investigation of breaches of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. (Badger offences, persecution of birds of prey and other offences)
- Advice and guidance for Police Officers and Police Staff in the investigation of breaches of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972 (Cruelty to animals).
- Liaising with statutory and voluntary bodies through the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW). Please refer to the PAW leaflet (PDF, 336.1 KB)
for more information.
The Wildlife Liaison Officer offers advice to the Police Service which will assist officers in deciding if a breach of the legislation has occurred and if so what further action may be required. The matter is therefore investigated at local level.
Members of public should report any possible breaches of the legislation to their local station on 0845 600 8000.
For general enquires on wildlife please refer to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency website www.ni-environment.gov.uk
