Bill Would Expand LE Authority of State Park Rangers

[bigtex]

House Bill 1875 would grant general law enforcement authority to state Park Rangers. Currently these Rangers have full law enforcement authority only on State Park lands. Outside of State Park lands they do not have authority. This bill would mean Park Rangers have law enforcement authority in all areas of the state and put them in line with WDFW and WSP.

http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/default.aspx?Bill=1875&year=2013

[pianoman9701]

This sounds a lot like the bill that came up a few weeks ago trying to give DNR authority statewide. Can they get individual authority in a given county by the local sheriff now?

[bigtex]

This sounds a lot like the bill that came up a few weeks ago trying to give DNR authority statewide. Can they get individual authority in a given county by the local sheriff now?

They can. However it is State Parks policy for them not to.

Very few states still have "limited authority" law enforcement agencies. Almost all states have gone the mentality of "if you're a cop, then you're a cop", where all law enforcement officers have general authority. You may work for a specialized agency (such as Parks or LCB) and should focus on that type of enforcement but you should have the authority to deal with something that happens right in front of your face.

[bigtex]

Like the legislation which would expand DNR LE authority, I am in favor of this bill. WA St Parks has always had a very "hands off" approach to law enforcement, with exceptions of some busy/crime heavy areas. So don't think a Park Ranger would start setting up traffic enforcement a few miles from park lands.

Where this will help is in a couple areas. Since the Discover Pass went into effect and State Park funding was cut the amount of LE Rangers has been drastically cut. This means in some areas Rangers cover several parks. But as soon as that Ranger leaves Park lands they lose authority. So if the Ranger is driving from one park to another, and has a DUI in front of them or sees any other crime occuring they have no authority. If there is a crime occuring just outside of the park boundary the Ranger can't do anything. With getting general authority that will change.

DNR Officers and State Park Rangers know what their job is, to patrol agency lands so don't go thinking that just because they can go everywhere and do it all that they will.

[csaaphill]

Some of those name like hope I believe have been on anti gun bills.
So not so sure I'd be wanting them to be able to enforce outside the park.
Everytime there is an open door to abuse something people will.

[Skyvalhunter]

I am against this bill. Sate Park LE seems to be one of the highest of abuse and should not over step their jurisdiction.

[Jingles]

I don't see where this would be of any benefit.
As far as them being outside the park and not having any authority I have to disagree they have authority as a citizen and I can't find anywhere that they have taken away the authority of a citizen to observe, report, follow and even detain a criminal that has committed a crime until the proper authorities arrive. I believe it is called a Citizens arrest isn't it?

[trophyhunt]

I don't see where this would be of any benefit.
As far as them being outside the park and not having any authority I have to disagree they have authority as a citizen and I can't find anywhere that they have taken away the authority of a citizen to observe, report, follow and even detain a criminal that has committed a crime until the proper authorities arrive. I believe it is called a Citizens arrest isn't it?

:yeah:I agree, and those guys on chinnook pass are wanna be rambo's. Ever since they gave those guys guns it seems they are on a high horse. I've never got pulled over by them but I have had them eye ball me because of my big tires, they are loud and I guess he thought I was speeding but I wasn't.

[Knocker of rocks]

DNR Officers and State Park Rangers know what their job is, to patrol agency lands so don't go thinking that just because they can go everywhere and do it all that they will.

Don't be so quick and sure that scope creep is so easy to dismiss.  It is a natural occurrence in people.

Furthermore, this very bill is evidence of scope creep.  If patrolling agency lands is their job, and there is no reason to for them to go else where ( as you stated ), then there is no reason for this bill. 

WDFW and other agencies have shown a tendency for some degree of scope creep over the years.  It would be a safe assumption that such would also be possible with State Parks.

[bigtex]

I don't see where this would be of any benefit.
As far as them being outside the park and not having any authority I have to disagree they have authority as a citizen and I can't find anywhere that they have taken away the authority of a citizen to observe, report, follow and even detain a criminal that has committed a crime until the proper authorities arrive. I believe it is called a Citizens arrest isn't it?

:yeah:I agree, and those guys on chinnook pass are wanna be rambo's. Ever since they gave those guys guns it seems they are on a high horse. I've never got pulled over by them but I have had them eye ball me because of my big tires, they are loud and I guess he thought I was speeding but I wasn't.

Hold it!
Lots of issues here trophy. The LE Rangers on Chinook are federal (National Park Service), not state.
And unless you are 100 years old you can't remember when they got guns.  NPS LE Rangers have had guns since around 1916....

[bigtex]

I am against this bill. Sate Park LE seems to be one of the highest of abuse and should not over step their jurisdiction.

How is it one of the highest abuse? WA State Parks is probably the most restricted state park agencies that have an LE program.

[bigtex]

This bill has it's first hearing in front of the House Public Safety Committee on 2/19.

[trophyhunt]

OK, I'm not 100 but didn't some organization of the parks service that did get the right to carry guns during the bush admin? I thought he ok'd it for someone but I can't remember exactly who. My mistake if not, but those guys are overzealous up there. Some people just don't make good law enforcement officers no matter who they are. I don't like the bill and hope it fails.

[bigtex]

OK, I'm not 100 but didn't some organization of the parks service that did get the right to carry guns during the bush admin? I thought he ok'd it for someone but I can't remember exactly who. My mistake if not, but those guys are overzealous up there. Some people just don't make good law enforcement officers no matter who they are. I don't like the bill and hope it fails.

The only federal land management agency that gained authority under Bush was the Bureau of Reclamation, but they only have about 10 Special Agents who don't patrol and just handle threats to BOR lands, none are based in WA. Park Service, Forest Service, BLM, and US Fish and Wildlife LE personnel have had guns long before any of us were born.

Also, within Mt Rainier Park the feds are the only LE with authority, so they act as highway patrol, deputies, and wildlife officers.

But like I said, this bill has nothing to do with the feds, just State Park Rangers.

[trophyhunt]

Thanks for the info.