Law enforcement, whether fisheries or policing, is driven by intelligence. The EA decided that in Phase One Volunteer Bailiffs will work in teams, supervised by an EA Fisheries Enforcement Officer, and be 'eyes and ears' in a Neighbourhood Watch sense, submitting intelligence and reporting incidents. You are right - any angler could (and should) do this: 0800 80 70 60. The importance of intelligence gathering cannot, however, be over-emphasised. It also provides us an opportunity to identify suitable individuals to take to Phase Two: further training in angling law, conflict resolution, personal protection and process, to be partially warranted - providing the power to demand and inspect rod-licences and deal with certain bye law offences. At that stage VBs will be line-managed by EA Fishery Enforcement Team Leaders. The final stage sees some of those volunteers given full training and warrants to directly work alongside and with EA FEOs. This has not arisen out of any criticism of the EA but a desire to help - and is actually entirely funded by the EA with which I work absolutely hand in glove. Rome wasn't built in a day but this is the start of a meaningful auxiliary service to support the EA FEOs in the same way that the special constabulary supports the police service - but, we have to get this absolutely right, because law enforcement is a very serious business. Of course we are aware that whatever is done, there are those who will pick holes and moan and whinge - without actually getting off their backsides and doing something constructive to help. This cannot be said of these volunteers - who will, in time, change the face of fishery enforcement in England. Signed: The Horses Mouth!
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And, whilst I'm on here, you are right regarding the police, CPS and courts needing to be brought aboard - that is happening. The police now takes poaching and fish theft seriously, due in no small part to the Poaching Priority Group, hosted by BACS and in which board I sit, together with various other organisations including the National Police Wildlife Crime Unit. The Met has led the way with Project Ghillie - where the Met leads other forces follow. We are, in fact, working closely now with the police and there is an infinitely better understanding of our problems already. Likewise efforts are ongoing to educate the CPS and courts - but these things take time. What needs to be understood, however, is that a massive amount of effort is being put in to changing things by a number of individuals and organisations. Whilst we get on with this, what might help is anglers actually reporting incidents to the EA on 0800 80 70 60 - instead of complaining amongst ourselves. And if the service forthcoming doesn't meet expectations - complain! It's the only way to get things done. Simple.