The PAW Forensics Working Group (FWG) encourages the use of forensic and specialist techniques to help solve wildlife crimes. The group runs a Forensic Analysis Fund (FAF) which offers financial support to Police and Border Force officers seeking to carry out forensic analysis during a wildlife crime investigation. WWF, TRACE, RSPB and Defra have all contributed to the scheme which can match funding by up to 50% of the total cost of the analysis.

APPLICATIONS TO THE FAF

In considering making any form of application to the FAF Police Wildlife Crime Officers are asked to consider first establishing which types of forensic methods may be of most value to their investigation. Advice can be sought from CSI officers and the PAW Forensic Working Group. For a detailed explanation of the wide variety of forensic analysis techniques available please see the new edition (2014) of Wildlife Crime: a guide to the use of forensic and specialist techniques in the investigation of wildlife crime. See also the PAW Forensic Working Group website for additional information.

Many wildlife cases which make use of forensic analysis would otherwise have failed to reach prosecution stage. Founded in 2008, the scheme has already provided money to help a support a number of cases including:

• DNA sampling of rhino horn to establish which species and individual the horn belonged to
• Handwriting analysis of falsified birds’ egg data cards
• Radio-carbon dating to determine the age of elephant ivory being sold on eBay
• Taxidermy examination of mounted birds of prey to ascertain cause of death

If you require any further information please contact Stephanie Pendry at TRAFFIC (stephanie.pendry@traffic.cjsm.net). In any case where PWCOs are unsure how best to proceed they are advised to make early contact with the NWCU. 

Click HERE for application guidance and downloadable form.