16 April 2008
SOLICITOR GENERAL WELCOMES WILDLIFE CRIME REVIEW FINDINGS
The Solicitor General, Frank Mullholand QC, today welcomed the findings of a detailed review of the arrangements in Scotland for preventing, investigating and prosecuting wildlife crime.
The joint review was carried out by the Independent Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland (IPS) and her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS).
Responding to the review, Frank Mulholland QC, said:
"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) fully recognises the impact that wildlife crime has on our unique and precious natural heritage and that there must be effective enforcement of the law in this area. I am therefore pleased that this review highlights much of the good work that is being done by the Police and Procurators Fiscal to tackle wildlife crime.
"A great deal of effort has gone into tackling wildlife crime in recent years, including the introduction of specialist prosecutors to deal with this type of crime. The report makes a number of recommendations for improving how COPFS tackles wildlife crime. To ensure that these recommendations are implemented quickly and effectively, I have instructed Tom Dysart, the Area Procurator Fiscal for Dumfries and Galloway, who is our lead specialist on wildlife crime, to produce an action plan and oversee the detailed implementation of these recommendations."
Tom Dysart, Area Procurator Fiscal for Dumfries and Galloway said:
"This joint review has provided a critical and valuable insight into the investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime in Scotland. I look forward to working with specialist prosecutors and with police colleagues across Scotland, to ensure that these helpful recommendations are fully implemented. This will allow us to build on the excellent work we are already doing in conjunction with our partner agencies to tackle wildlife crime."
Notes to Editors
1. Natural Justice A Joint Thematic Inspection of the Arrangements in Scotland for Preventing, Investigating and Prosecuting Wildlife Crime' can be found at:
Communications
0844 561 3708
www.copfs.gov.uk