By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 13:32, Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Cumbria police’s wildlife officer has been named the cream of the crop by a national charity.

PC John Shaw

PC John Shaw, who is based at Keswick, was singled out by the World Wildlife Fund as their Wildlife Crime Enforcer of the Year for his work in tracking criminals.

Since he was appointed to the role in 2008, wildlife crime detection has soared by 800 per cent.

PC Shaw beat other nominations from a host of organisations who work in wildlife law enforcement, including Natural England, Animal Health, HM Revenue and Customs and the UK Border Agency, plus other police forces.

PC Shaw, who has been with the force for 24 years, was given his award at the weekend.

He was presented with it by Lincolnshire’s Chief Constable Richard Crompton – a former assistant chief constable with Cumbria police– on Saturday during the annual Police and Customs Wildlife Enforcement Conference in Harrogate.

Chief Constable Craig Mackey, from Cumbria Constabulary, said he was ‘really proud’ of PC Shaw.

“It shows that his hard work is not just recognised by colleagues and communities in Cumbria, but also by some of the nation’s leading wildlife experts,” he said.

“Since John took on this role, wildlife crime has become more of a focus for the constabulary.

“He has provided training to officers across the county to raise awareness of environmental and wildlife legislation and his enthusiasm and commitment to his role has seen detection rates soar by 800 per cent.”

PC Shaw said he was “shocked and delighted” to win an award for doing “a job I love”.

He said: “Crimes against nature can be cruel, distressing and often mindless so it is important that it is reported to police and investigated thoroughly.

“I enjoy my job and I am committed, alongside colleagues, to ensuring that anybody who chooses to destroy our beautiful landscape is caught and prosecuted.”

First published at 11:28, Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk