You could say the same thing as the NHS. The NHS is paid from everyone's taxes, so why should people have to raise money for it via charity to supplement its funding, which has become particularly prevalent during and since COVID. It's because we all know government funded bodies / departments etc. have limited public funding and as such they prioritise where that funding is spent. With the Police, many forces have reduced or even withdrawn rural crime resources, so this is just a case of BASC trying to support our needs and get it back on Police radars and part of their day to day policing activities.
Having reported quite a few poaching incidents and found the way the some (non rural crime) beat officers responded meant those caught could not be prosecuted because of incorrect actions, questioning, evidence gathering or just using the incorrect powers at the time, e.g. seizing the tools of the trade, it's great that BASC can fund specific training to aid detection of crime and more successful outcomes. It also goes a long way diplomatically in nurturing relationships between rural organisations and the police.
There are so many fronts to defend and protect our cause, this is certainly not one I have a problem with.
