The first year of the LIFE BorealWOLF patrol

The first full year of the project is now behind us, and what an enlightening year it was. During the year, the patrol’s working and operating models were developed and modified to support the performance of project tasks. Monitoring activities have mainly focused on the region of North Karelia, while work has also been carried out in Northern Savonia.

The patrol’s key tasks in the project are:

1. Diverse cooperation and interaction with different stakeholders and citizens, for example, by giving instructions and advice, and by providing consultation with a low threshold to reduce, minimise and eliminate any conflicts. Activities aim to tackle any negative impact caused by wolves, such as fear, concern and anger, as well as frustration with the authorities.
2. Carrying out diverse general monitoring activities, particularly in sparsely populated areas, including road and off-road traffic.
3. Carrying out targeted official monitoring in areas where any illegal killing of large carnivores has previously been detected.
4. Taking care of any conflicts resulting from large carnivores in cooperation with different regional game management parties (wildlife agencies, game management associations, contact persons for large carnivores and parties providing official assistance).
5. Communicating and conveying correct information (social media, and different exhibitions and events).

In general monitoring, focus has been placed on hunting, primarily targeting hunting licences, the possession of weapons, hunting methods used in conjunction with licensed hunting, including the hunting of small game, and the carrying of weapons in vehicles. At the end of the autumn, monitoring focused on licensed elk hunting. Traffic control has been targeted at driving under the influence of narcotic substances, as a result of which a few drunk drivers were caught in sparsely populated areas.

Previously, infrequent hunting monitoring has primarily focused on activities other than the illegal killing of large carnivores, and has not, therefore, responded to the needs of crime prevention. Targeted monitoring means that monitoring activities are targeted at areas where illegal activities involving large carnivores have previously been detected, or areas regarding which the law enforcement authorities have received tips of aggravated hunting crime. Targeted monitoring aims to prevent and uncover hidden crime related to the illegal killing of large carnivores.

A significant part of working hours was allocated to areas where wolves had been sighted outside residential buildings. During these operations, surrounding areas were inspected and residents were provided with instructions and advice to prevent wolves from accessing yard areas by building fences, for example.

In the region of North Karelia, the patrol participated in the execution and monitoring of several banishment and killing assignments of the police and exemption permits granted by the Finnish Wildlife Agency (disturbance and killing decisions).

The patrol has mainly carried out monitoring activities on its own, but also systematically with other law enforcement authorities (Metsähallitus, the Eastern Finland Police Department and the Finnish Border Guard).

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, diverse stakeholder cooperation has been suspended for the time being. Stakeholder cooperation will only restart after risks associated with the pandemic decrease significantly and various meeting restrictions are lifted. As diverse and systematic stakeholder cooperation is one of the leading themes of the project, the pandemic has, therefore, significantly reduced the patrol’s ability to operate in this area.

The patrol’s activities are followed using a separate follow-up system. Some follow-up data collected between 1 January and 31 December 2020 is presented below:

• Vehicles inspected during monitoring activities 351
• Hunting and firearms licences inspected during monitoring activities 243

In addition, the follow-up system covers a number of other activities, such as hunting and traffic offences detected, participation in the collection of observation data (DNA), and communication. Any suspected criminal activities are communicated as defined in the Criminal Investigation Act. The chief of investigations or a person appointed by them is responsible for communication in these situations.

Before the project started, it was already known that the authorities participating in the project (Metsähallitus and the Eastern Finland Police Department) would most likely be criticised, especially in the areas where monitoring activities would be carried out. This was especially evident at the end of 2020 and at the beginning of 2021. The behaviour of the members of the patrol in monitoring situations and the exercise of their authorities have been largely criticised, particularly in social media, but also in print media. In addition, two appeals have been lodged with the supervisory authorities regarding the patrol’s activities and its management.

All feedback will be taken seriously, and all reported situations will be investigated following proper official procedures.

The activities of the LIFE BorealWOLF patrol, similarly to any other patrol, are guided by key legal principles, such as respecting basic and human rights, the proportionality principle, and the principles of proper intent and least harm, during every assignment and in every situation.

During the spring of 2021, the police officer belonging to the patrol will be equipped with a body camera, before which the police officer will receive training regarding its use and related legal provisions. According to several international studies, one of the key advantages of body cameras is that any unfounded accusations directed at police officers can be refuted quickly and effectively. In addition, recordings can be used as evidence during criminal investigations, indictment proceedings and court hearings. Other key benefits include the improved occupational safety of the authorities. Body cameras also make official activities more transparent and, therefore, increase people’s trust in the police. Currently, Metsähallitus is investigating the opportunity to equip game wardens with body cameras on the same grounds as the police administration.

In summary, even though the project is only taking its first steps and the area being monitored is large (six million hectares and 114,000 km of roads), the patrol has already proven its necessity in various activities related to wolves and other large carnivores. Full-time activities and cooperation between two law enforcement authorities produce a diverse impact and help to prevent crime directed at natural resources.

Authors:

Juha Ahonen
Senior advisor
Metsähallitus

Harri-Pekka Pohjolainen
Superintendent
Eastern Finland Police Department