Credit: A Midgley

DI Nevin Hunter, on secondment from Devon and Cornwall Police, retires in July 2014.  Nevin’s dedication, determination and leadership skills have transformed the NWCU.  In the 2½ years he was head of the unit, Nevin led his small and dedicated team to establish a range of practices which have cemented the NWCU’s reputation as a centre for excellence in wildlife crime enforcement.  In particular, Nevin has been instrumental in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for wildlife crime which will soon be delivered to all UK police forces under the direction of the College of Policing.  Nevin’s implementation of this vital wildlife crime investigation tool will ensure that his legacy is one where all law enforcement and partner agencies will work together, under approved guidelines, to ensure wildlife crime is investigated to the highest consistent standards across the UK and is integrated into everyday policing.  Nevin’s strategic, intelligence-led approach has meant better targeting for wildlife crime enforcement despite the constant funding constraints the unit faces.

AHVLA
Prior to his role at NWCU Nevin was the Head of Compliance at the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency’s Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service.  During the 3½ years he was there, Nevin completely transformed the service, ensuring that the whole team were equipped to deal with identification of fraudulent practices in the registration of CITES species in trade.

Devon & Cornwall Police
Nevin spent the first 25 years of his career as an operational police officer in Devon & Cornwall.  He worked in both urban and rural areas dealing with almost every type of investigation. He was one of the original Police Wildlife Liaison Officers when they were first established in the early 90’s. He often dealt with wildlife crime investigations, like many of his policing colleagues, on his own time.  His dedication to the role ensured the job got done to the highest of standards.  During his years as the Devon & Cornwall wildlife liaison officer, Nevin investigated a wide variety of wildlife crime cases and with fantastic salmon rivers and the biggest English herd of red deer on his doorstep, Nevin was acutely aware of the need to ensure effective enforcement of legislation relating to both these species, and others. He investigated cases of disturbance of marine mammals and Basking Sharks off the South-West coast and played an integral part in the formation of the PAW (Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime) Marine Wildlife Enforcement Working Group.

In 2001 Nevin’s work was recognised at a national level when he won the prestigious WWF ‘Wildlife Law Enforcer of the Year’.

PAW (Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime)
Throughout his career, Nevin has built close working relationships with people from a host of agencies. In particular, he has developed and maintained mutually beneficial relationships with other enforcement agencies such as the UK Border Force to ensure maximum protection for wildlife.  During his years as head of the NWCU Nevin has done everything in his power to work collectively with a broad range of conservation and animal welfare organisations to ensure the UK continues to be effective in the prevention and detection of crime.

Nevin’s drive and enthusiasm also contributed to the production of the highly regarded CITES Fact File (an Enforcers guide) and he recognised, early on, that the increasing UK trade in rhino horn was having a direct and tragic impact on the global survival of the African rhino. Nevin pushed to ensure the illegal trade in rhino horn became a UK wildlife crime priority and that the UK government tighten its restriction of sale.

Nevin played a key role in many enforcement operations; including Operation Ramp ~ involving 51 countries tackling the illegal trade in reptiles.

Steph Pendry, TRAFFIC, presents Nevin with his PAW Certificate of Merit
Credit: A Midgley

On Nevin’s final day at NWCU he was presented with a PAW Certificate of Merit in recognition of his many years of achievement in wildlife crime enforcement.  Chief Constable Simon Prince (ACPO Lead for Wildlife and Rural Crime) said, “Nevin has made a significant contribution in the fight against wildlife crime.  He always went over and above what was required of him and the entire wildlife crime community will suffer a severe loss when he retires”.