News

10 September 2008
NEW HEAD APPOINTED TO NATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME UNIT

The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) has appointed Lothian & Borders Detective Inspector Brian Stuart as the new Head of the Unit.

Prior to taking up his post Brian was responsible for all policing in West Edinburgh and dealt with a number of high profile events such as the G8 summit and Hogmanay Street Party celebrations.

Brian was brought up in Edinburgh and began his police career in 1989. He served in a variety of posts in uniform and CID throughout the Lothian & Borders Policing area. Following his secondment to the Scottish Police College he served in the rural communities of West Lothian. He is strongly committed to Wildlife Crime investigation and his in-depth background in Criminal Investigation and intelligence matters will undoubtedly assist him in leading this high profile unit.

On his appointment he said: “It is a tremendous privilege to serve in this very challenging position. This unique role carries the responsibility for providing the United Kingdom with an efficient and effective intelligence, analytical and investigative support capability in relation to Wildlife Crime enquiries. I aim to build on the excellent partnerships that have been fostered over the last two years since the birth of the Unit, whilst allowing it to promote its worldwide reputation for being a leader within the international community for Wildlife Crime Law Enforcement.”

Another significant boost to the NWCU was the appointment of a new Deputy Head of Unit/ Senior Analyst Sue Eddy. Sue has held a number of positions within the analytical environment, working as a Crime Analyst with the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA), before being promoted to Senior Analyst within Northumbria Police Force managing teams of analysts, delivering products under the National Intelligence Model (NIM).

Sue said her ‘new position is a dream job’. She added: “Not only do I get to use my skills as an analyst and a manager, but I get to investigate crimes against nature, something which I feel strongly about. The NWCU is a small specialist team of very dedicated individuals and I am sure I am going to enjoy working with them for a long time to come.”

Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom, ACPO lead on Wildlife Crime said he was delighted by the appointments. He said: "I am sure Brian and Sue will take the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit forward and ensure the Unit cements its reputation as one of the leading forces in the United Kingdom and International Community."

Deputy Chief Constable Iain MacLeod of ACPOS commented: "These two appointments mark an important day for the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The combined experience of Brian and Sue and their proven track record of managing highly successful teams, give us the best possible basis for continued success in the challenges that Wildlife Crime presents, an area where we already enjoy a strong position.”

For further information: www.nwcu.police.uk

Alternatively, the Unit can be contacted on:
- 01620 893607