Sabs Demand Inquiry After Warwickshire Hunt Policing Review Finds No Wrongdoing
Hunt saboteurs are calling for a public inquiry after a review found no evidence of misconduct in the policing of the Warwickshire Hunt
Warwickshire, Hunt Saboteurs, Warwickshire Hunt, Police, Community Protection Notice
Warwickshire: The hunt saboteurs are pretty upset right now. They’re not happy with a recent review that looked into how the police handled hunting in the area. They think the whole thing was just a bit too soft.
The West Midlands Saboteurs were really vocal about their disappointment with the report from the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner. They called it “wishy-washy” and are now pushing for a public inquiry.
Alongside the review, a secret protocol between the police and the Warwickshire Hunt was also released. This protocol, dated August 9, 2023, has raised eyebrows. It states that if the police plan to visit a hunt, they need to give an hour’s notice. Sounds a bit odd, right?
There’s also a clause that says if the hunt breaks any rules, the police will first talk to someone from the hunt before escalating it. It’s like letting the hunt handle its own issues, which has left many scratching their heads.
A spokesperson for the saboteurs expressed disbelief, asking if police would give burglars a heads-up before showing up. They’re questioning why the hunt gets special treatment with regular meetings with the police.
In December 2022, Warwickshire Police issued a community protection notice to the Warwickshire Hunt, but that was later withdrawn in favor of this new protocol.
The new Chief Constable, Alex Franklin-Smith, said he published the protocol to clear up distractions from the good work the police do. He insisted there was no secret deal, despite what some people think.
The review did admit that the police didn’t handle public and media interest well and suggested they need to be more open in the future. However, it found no evidence that the police and crime commissioner’s ties to the pro-hunting Countryside Alliance influenced their decisions.
Tim Bonner from the Countryside Alliance was pleased with the review’s findings, stating that it confirmed the police acted appropriately. He also raised concerns about the community protection notice issued against the hunt.
In the end, the Warwickshire Hunt is happy with the review, claiming it shows they acted correctly. They’re looking forward to working with the police while continuing their hunting activities.