Bill Would Eliminate DNR Law Enforcement

[Mudman]

If thats  the case they might as well do it then.

[Curly]

My initial reaction is that I don't like the idea.  Wouldn't it be best to keep DNR enforcement focused on what they know best?    They can always call the WDFW guys if they see something fishy.

DNR LE Officers have full authority on DNR lands, they can do fish and wildlife enforcement, drugs, traffic, just like a WDFW Officer or Sheriff. In addition in about 25-30 counties they can act as deputies off DNR lands. In terms of experience, there isn't much a difference between DNR and WDFW Officers. Yes WDFW Officers do more fish and wildlife enforcement, but DNR does it as well. You could also say DNR Officers do more ORV enforcement, but WDFW does do it as well.

But, WDFW LEO's don't go out checking on timber thieves, do they?  Seems like DNR LEO's would be out there concentrating on issues dealing with DNR land resources and WDFW is concentrating on wildlife issues.  Would timber issues become a lower priority if DNR LEO's are moved over to WDFW? 

[pianoman9701]

IMHO, centralization of law enforcement takes the judgment of local LE out of the equation and is not good for democratic process. These officers can be deputized by the county sheriff if the sheriff needs their help. By centralizing, we're allowing the jurisdiction of more and more law enforcement where it's not needed, locally in our individual communities. We should be against centralization.

[bigtex]

My initial reaction is that I don't like the idea.  Wouldn't it be best to keep DNR enforcement focused on what they know best?    They can always call the WDFW guys if they see something fishy.

DNR LE Officers have full authority on DNR lands, they can do fish and wildlife enforcement, drugs, traffic, just like a WDFW Officer or Sheriff. In addition in about 25-30 counties they can act as deputies off DNR lands. In terms of experience, there isn't much a difference between DNR and WDFW Officers. Yes WDFW Officers do more fish and wildlife enforcement, but DNR does it as well. You could also say DNR Officers do more ORV enforcement, but WDFW does do it as well.

But, WDFW LEO's don't go out checking on timber thieves, do they?  Seems like DNR LEO's would be out there concentrating on issues dealing with DNR land resources and WDFW is concentrating on wildlife issues.  Would timber issues become a lower priority if DNR LEO's are moved over to WDFW? 

Actually they do. WDFW is listed as an agency responsible for forest product theft. WDFW and WSP are the only state agencies with statewide authority to investigate forest product theft, obviouly WSP doesn't do it. DNR and USFS under state law can only do it on their lands. So if someone is violating forest product laws off of DNR or USFS lands it will most likely go to WDFW. In some cases WDFW may even take it if it is on DNR lands if it is an "open and shut" caught red handed case, investigations would probably go to the DNR Officer.

Your question of would timber theft become a lower priority is basically what I asked in my last post. Would WDFW be required to work so many hours on DNR lands? Whats a higher priority someone fishing closed season or illegally cutting wood? And so on.

[bigtex]

IMHO, centralization of law enforcement takes the judgment of local LE out of the equation and is not good for democratic process. These officers can be deputized by the county sheriff if the sheriff needs their help. By centralizing, we're allowing the jurisdiction of more and more law enforcement where it's not needed, locally in our individual communities. We should be against centralization.

This really has nothing to do with deputizing or the sheriff. More about moving these officers to WDFW, because according to the sponsors WDFW has more resources to assist with LE on DNR lands, simply because they have more officers. Supposedly more about protecting DNR lands.

And actually under state law the only law enforcement personnel that can enforce the civil (infractions) violations of DNR and State Park laws are the LE personnel of WDFW, DNR and Parks. For example, a Deputy or Trooper cannot cite someone on DNR lands with failing to obey DNR signs or entering a State Park after hours. However, any officer can enforce WDFW land use violations.

[bigtex]

At the hearing today for the expansion of DNR, Parks and Liquor Control LE authority WDFW LE Chief Bjork made a comment about moving DNR LE to WDFW.

Bjork basically said each agency has their own function and is best served by their own employees. Sounds like he is against this bill