Police practitioners often get a bashing from every angle, and this is no more evident than when it comes to policing the Hunting Act, especially when it comes to trail hunts.

I am very grateful for those at the Hunt Saboteur Association for my personal perspective to be printed in their latest Howl magazine. (Spring 2026)

In the article I explained to their readers how not working with the police due to years of distrust really isn’t the way ahead. 

A good working relationship will 100% reduce wildlife crime occurring and give police investigations the best possible chance of success.

Thankfully Hunting with Hounds is now a policing priority and those on the ground will get the support they need. There is an all accessible online learning option for officers to hone their understanding, and a knowledgeable Tactical Delivery Group. Whilst my overall experience was based on a local level I know the NPCC lead and his charges are taking this seriously, its the mid level leadership teams that need to show robust decision making when it comes to tactics. Deployments and Investing in staff is their job.

There are some amazing cops out there doing good stuff – however let down by legislation and all the components that hinder their investigations they will and are struggling.