Our wildlife crime work, shortlisted for The Charity Awards 2024
We are thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for a prestigious charity award for our wildlife crime work. The Charity Awards is one of the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector and recognises those organisations doing exceptional work in all areas of charitable activity.
Many years ago, I worked as a control room operator for Avon & Somerset Police, taking 999/101 calls – it was probably one of the most emotionally testing roles I’ve ever had. From suicidal callers, ongoing violent incidents, fatal car incidents to reports of animal abuse. It’s not for the faint hearted.
As Naturewatch Foundation’s wildlife crime campaign manager, I would often hear from the public and police officers the frustration felt with the lack of knowledge and efficiency with police control rooms when reports of wildlife crime came through the system. The disparity would often result in answers like, ‘we don’t do animals’, or ‘call the RSPCA’, when in fact there were wildlife crime officers waiting to respond.
The range and volume of calls received on 999/101 is immense, so I got it. I got why it was complex, I got why the knowledge wasn’t there and I also got the consequential frustration.
However, I’m a stickler for a good old problem solving mission!
With our friend, RSPCA Wildlife crime lead Geoff Edmond, we got our heads together to come up with a cost effective, meaningful resolution that could make a genuine difference. This is where our Force Control Room wildlife crime training package was born.
Using animations to show the learner exactly what a caller may be experiencing when witnessing a wildlife crime, we produced storyboards of crimes covering the National Wildlife Crime Unit’s (NWCU) key priorities, plus hunting with hounds. NWCU Current UK priorities
With the partnership of the NWCU, RSPCA wildlife and Thames Valley’s control room, we created a succinct, cost effective, online training programme for police control room staff.
Over 5,000 police staff now trained!
Since we launched in August 2023, it’s been utilised over 5,000 times to upscale, improve and make policing wildlife crimes in the UK more effective. We are so proud!
Shortlisted in the Animal & Environment category, our project is a contender for the award and as our loyal supporters, we’ve only done this, thanks to you. Your donations and your ongoing support enable us to achieve things for animals, just like this. We work to advance animal welfare and we’re so pleased to be recognised for our hard work.
“Now in its 24th year, the Charity Awards continues to recognise innovative charities that exemplify best practices and deliver sustainable benefits to communities and society.”
Watch us live at The Charity Awards!
The award ceremony will be taking place, in London, on 9th July where we’ll be in attendance with many other incredible charities, showcasing their wonderful work. You can register to watch the event live here: Registration to watch online live!
Watch this space! – Kate | Wildlife crime campaign manager
