AWARD
SAVING OUR WILDLIFE
Cumbria Police Constable receives first-ever Naturewatch Foundation challenge coin for outstanding work tackling wildlife crime
A dedicated police officer from Cumbria has been recognised for exceptional work tackling wildlife crime. Wildlife Coordinator, PC Sam O’Key has received a Challenge coin from animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation for her outstanding role in investigating and disrupting criminal operations targeting animal welfare. At a surprise event on 24 June, Sam was presented with the Challenge coin by Sarah Carr, the CEO of Naturewatch Foundation alongside Amanda Mckirdy, Rural Crime Team Supervisor. Sam was cited by Jim Clark, who leads the charity’s wildlife crime work, for her textbook investigative dedication and
44 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2025
steadfast commitment to protecting our ever-persecuted wildlife.
Through her meticulous work, she has played an instrumental role in cases that
“Without the support of
Naturewatch Foundation and other partner agencies who work tirelessly
to identify these individuals we would not be able to disrupt their illegal activities.”
have exposed criminal networks, and her work serves as a benchmark that peers across the country should aspire to. Sam also sits on the national Badger
Persecution Priority Delivery Group, which works to offer this vulnerable species the protection it deserves in England and Wales. Sam O’Key, said: “Since
taking on the role of Wildlife Coordinator for Cumbria Police in 2018 I have worked closely with Naturewatch Foundation to bring those that would harm our wildlife to justice.” “Without the support of
Naturewatch Foundation and other partner agencies
who work tirelessly to identify these individuals we would not be able to disrupt their illegal activities in the way that we do. Receiving this challenge
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