Is it a conflict of interest

[Barehunter]

Is it a conflict of interest for game wardens to get paid by a private company to patrol there property.

[Tbar]

No.  Very common in the leo world to use outside the agency contracts. 

[Barehunter]

No.  Very common in the leo world to use outside the agency contracts.

It just does not seem right for a state agency to be funded by the state. to be focusing resources on a private companys property and
not state property. I dont have problem with game wardens checking the private companies property once in awhile but focusing on property
is not fare for the rest of the state.

[jrebel]

No.  Very common in the leo world to use outside the agency contracts.

It just does not seem right for a state agency to be funded by the state. to be focusing resources on a private companys property and
not state property. I dont have problem with game wardens checking the private companies property once in awhile but focusing on property
is not fare for the rest of the state.

It's my understanding that the private land companies (timber companies mostly) will fund entire FTE positions.  These positions don't dedicate 100% of their time to the private, therefore the public is getting some services for free.  Obviously the amount of free services would be dictated by how much time is left over after meeting the obligations of the private company. 

Maybe I'm wrong....but that is my understanding.  It's not like they are taking the limited resource and dedicating it the private.  The private is supplimenting the already limited resource. 

[Barehunter]

When a single hunter is checked multiple times by at least 3 different warden in a span of 3 weeks i think the limited resources are being focused on one small unit and not the rest of the region.

[bigtex]

No.  Very common in the leo world to use outside the agency contracts.

It just does not seem right for a state agency to be funded by the state. to be focusing resources on a private companys property and
not state property. I dont have problem with game wardens checking the private companies property once in awhile but focusing on property
is not fare for the rest of the state.

It's my understanding that the private land companies (timber companies mostly) will fund entire FTE positions.  These positions don't dedicate 100% of their time to the private, therefore the public is getting some services for free.  Obviously the amount of free services would be dictated by how much time is left over after meeting the obligations of the private company. 

Maybe I'm wrong....but that is my understanding.  It's not like they are taking the limited resource and dedicating it the private.  The private is supplimenting the already limited resource.

100% correct. Public and private landowners can and do pay WDFW for enhanced patrol services. This often results in OT pay to the officer so you are actually getting even more coverage then if the contract didn't exist.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Knocker of rocks]

WDFW patrols Seahawk games

[bigtex]

WDFW patrols Seahawk games

Another OT contract.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Barehunter]

 It really rubs me the wrong way that game wardens are working for private companies when a couple miles away on state land
people are dumping garbage at a great place to shot. private companies should hire there own security. instead of using goverment
employees as security guards.

[ASHQUACK]

It really rubs me the wrong way that game wardens are working for private companies when a couple miles away on state land
people are dumping garbage at a great place to shot. private companies should hire there own security. instead of using goverment
employees as security guards.

They do hire their own security. I believe Green Diamond has two full time officers and a couple of part time guys who patrol their permit lands.

[Barehunter]

It really rubs me the wrong way that game wardens are working for private companies when a couple miles away on state land
people are dumping garbage at a great place to shot. private companies should hire there own security. instead of using goverment
employees as security guards.

They do hire their own security. I believe Green Diamond has two full time officers and a couple of part time guys who patrol their permit lands.

Then why do they need goverment employees

[Knocker of rocks]

The animals are still owned by the public

[jrebel]

Private security can’t enforce game violations.  Heck….they likely can’t enforce lice any laws.   

I’m not sure what your rub is.   I can give you many examples where public employees / agencies are contracted to work or provide services to private entities.   Whether it be OT or more revenue to hire more employees….its the fiscally responsible thing to do.   

[EnglishSetter]

It really rubs me the wrong way that game wardens are working for private companies when a couple miles away on state land
people are dumping garbage at a great place to shot. private companies should hire there own security. instead of using goverment
employees as security guards.

They do hire their own security. I believe Green Diamond has two full time officers and a couple of part time guys who patrol their permit lands.

Then why do they need goverment employees

Private security doesn't write citations or perform arrests.

[EnglishSetter]

No.  Very common in the leo world to use outside the agency contracts.

It just does not seem right for a state agency to be funded by the state. to be focusing resources on a private companys property and
not state property. I dont have problem with game wardens checking the private companies property once in awhile but focusing on property
is not fare for the rest of the state.

It's my understanding that the private land companies (timber companies mostly) will fund entire FTE positions.  These positions don't dedicate 100% of their time to the private, therefore the public is getting some services for free.  Obviously the amount of free services would be dictated by how much time is left over after meeting the obligations of the private company. 

Maybe I'm wrong....but that is my understanding.  It's not like they are taking the limited resource and dedicating it the private.  The private is supplimenting the already limited resource.

My buddy (recently retired) worked for ODF in Klamath Falls as a state employee, but funded by private landowners.  They primarily concentrated on fires on these private lands, but were available for other (public and private) lands.

[Barehunter]

I guess my real issue is they are spending alot of time patrolling private land when there is alot of need for them all over there area.I was checked by 3 different wardens and got 8 pictures on cams of them on days I did not get checked. I did get checked at the gate on sunday
By 2 wardens that was maybe an overtime shift but I dont know.
Maybe i is just me but that is spending alot of time in one small area. I guess I might be off base but I sure thank you guys for your imput.

[bigtex]

It really rubs me the wrong way that game wardens are working for private companies when a couple miles away on state land
people are dumping garbage at a great place to shot. private companies should hire there own security. instead of using goverment
employees as security guards.

If they are patrolling the area as part of a patrol contract with the landowner then they aren't using govt funds for the patrol. The company has to pick-up the entire cost of the patrol (salary, fuel, etc.)

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Barehunter]

It really rubs me the wrong way that game wardens are working for private companies when a couple miles away on state land
people are dumping garbage at a great place to shot. private companies should hire there own security. instead of using goverment
employees as security guards.

If they are patrolling the area as part of a patrol contract with the landowner then they aren't using govt funds for the patrol. The company has to pick-up the entire cost of the patrol (salary, fuel, etc.)

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

That does make me feel better that the tax payers are not pay to protect timber companies interest over public land and resources. I do have to admit that seeing game wardens on my cameras and being check often made me alittle butthurt. So thanks guys for setting me straight.

[EnglishSetter]

It really rubs me the wrong way that game wardens are working for private companies when a couple miles away on state land
people are dumping garbage at a great place to shot. private companies should hire there own security. instead of using goverment
employees as security guards.

If they are patrolling the area as part of a patrol contract with the landowner then they aren't using govt funds for the patrol. The company has to pick-up the entire cost of the patrol (salary, fuel, etc.)

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Does make me wonder if private is also funding their pensions though.

[builtfordtough]

Maybe there is a reason why the game wardens are there so often.   Investigating illegal activity, a game wardens presence isnt a bad thing

[Barehunter]

Maybe there is a reason why the game wardens are there so often.   Investigating illegal activity, a game wardens presence isnt a bad thing

I agree that the area should have patrols because the game animals do belong to the people. I was driving in the private property
and was stopped by game warden and we had this very discussion. I was not hunting so they wanted to check that i was not trespassing of
course I had proper paperwork. But doing timber company business just pissed me off.

[hunter399]

Law enforcement does side jobs all the time.
Walmart hires them to stand around.
Banks sometimes hire them during holiday times ect.

No surprise timber company would hire them
Not that I totally agree,but it is common.
Gotta use that pay to play money,to protect there gates and resources.
So if you think about it ,you paid for him to be there.

[Dan-o]

Law enforcement does side jobs all the time.
Walmart hires them to stand around.
Banks sometimes hire them during holiday times ect.

No surprise timber company would hire them

This is how I see it.

[pianoman9701]

It seems like a good investment. We, the state, get paid to patrol concentrated areas of hunters, like timber property. More contact with hunters means more enforcement of the rules protecting our resource. The resource doesn't know where the boundaries are. This affects wildlife populations on private lands, as well.

[Bullkllr]

It seems like there may be two issues of concern here.

1. Game wardens getting contracted and paid by private landowners. Personally I support this. Especially regarding the amount of private timberland in WW.

2. GWs spread too thin already concerning the state land issues. Yes it's a concern, but I'm not sure how much time GWs can devote to dumping on state land, etc. Seems like that might get referred to DNR anyway.

[salmosalar]

It's similar to a venue paying te police at events, I suppose. I think that there is something of a difference in that the police gnerally aren't checking ticket stubbs on behalf of the venue.

I had heard that the WDFW presence on WEYCO land was really high and visable this past fall. WDFW has a smallish budget, they may prefer to do enforcement paid for by WEYCO for budget reasons. I don't know any WDFW officers in that area so I don't have anyone to ask.

I heard that a bull was shot on ground that I have exclusive legal access to. I have seen people trsspassing on it, but did not confront since they may be armed with a firearm and there were 2 of them and 1 of me. I figured that it's no use being right if you are also dead.

I wonder if I saw people on that small timber co. ground and reported them, whether the officer would show up? Maybe I will make a call.

[Tbar]

It's similar to a venue paying te police at events, I suppose. I think that there is something of a difference in that the police gnerally aren't checking ticket stubbs on behalf of the venue.

I had heard that the WDFW presence on WEYCO land was really high and visable this past fall. WDFW has a smallish budget, they may prefer to do enforcement paid for by WEYCO for budget reasons. I don't know any WDFW officers in that area so I don't have anyone to ask.

I heard that a bull was shot on ground that I have exclusive legal access to. I have seen people trsspassing on it, but did not confront since they may be armed with a firearm and there were 2 of them and 1 of me. I figured that it's no use being right if you are also dead.

I wonder if I saw people on that small timber co. ground and reported them, whether the officer would show up? Maybe I will make a call.

Call them,  they will respond. 

[bbarnes]

The private timber companies aren’t paying for their training the taxpayers are just saying

[bigtex]

It seems like there may be two issues of concern here.

1. Game wardens getting contracted and paid by private landowners. Personally I support this. Especially regarding the amount of private timberland in WW.

2. GWs spread too thin already concerning the state land issues. Yes it's a concern, but I'm not sure how much time GWs can devote to dumping on state land, etc. Seems like that might get referred to DNR anyway.

Regarding #2 most of these agreements are OT agreements. So if the agreement wasn't in effect the officer would be off sitting in front of their TV drinking a beer, instead of working OT.

It's a win-win for everyone. The resources get extra patrols/protection, the landowner gets extra patrols, and the officer gets some OT.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[bigtex]

The private timber companies aren’t paying for their training the taxpayers are just saying

So? The taxpayers are paying for their 171 hours a month schedule (WDFW Officers work 171 hours a month not 160).

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[TitusFord]

Welders, framers, mechanics and other folks with skills all get paid by people to do work outside of their regular weekly schedule and nobody throws a fit. Whats the difference besides wearing a badge?

[westside bull]

Welders, framers, mechanics and other folks with skills all get paid by people to do work outside of their regular weekly schedule and nobody throws a fit. Whats the difference besides wearing a badge?

The wardens are in state owned vehicles not their personal vehicle so that's a problem when doing their side work.

[fishngamereaper]

Welders, framers, mechanics and other folks with skills all get paid by people to do work outside of their regular weekly schedule and nobody throws a fit. Whats the difference besides wearing a badge?

The wardens are in state owned vehicles not their personal vehicle so that's a problem when doing their side work.

While enforcing State laws....guess they could drive their pov and if they need to do police work call another on duty gamie from a different area, reducing their ability to perform their job.


I don't get the backlash
Leo contract work has been a thing for decades.
Cities, county's and State.... Walmart, Mall's, Construction companies, Concert venues, HOAs....
If you don't agree with it maybe research the terms of the contract and see what the private entity is covering cost wise ...you might be surprised.

[10thmountainarcher]

Welders, framers, mechanics and other folks with skills all get paid by people to do work outside of their regular weekly schedule and nobody throws a fit. Whats the difference besides wearing a badge?

The wardens are in state owned vehicles not their personal vehicle so that's a problem when doing their side work.

And a lot of times that is figured into the dollar amount being paid by the company hiring them. Meaning the fish and game officer could be receiving a set amount or his/her overtime rate, so let’s just say they’re making $90 an hour to patrol the properties. Then the state tacks on another say $35 an hour for the benefits portion, which can include the wear and tear on the vehicles. Obviously WDFW overtime would take precedence over this off duty work, but I’m going to assume with all our budget issues in the state, OT may be a little tight.

[bbarnes]

The problem is all the poaching goes on after dark, especially in big timber company‘s property that is gated the night shift comes in after everybody leaves during the day they hunt all night long with spotlights. There’s no law-enforcement until the daytime when they’re really only concerned about trespass violations.

[71Shovelhead]

bbarnes,
Are you sure and how do you know what shift LEO are working? In an area with known high nighttime poaching activity they might have contracts for specific night patrol.

[bigtex]

The problem is all the poaching goes on after dark, especially in big timber company‘s property that is gated the night shift comes in after everybody leaves during the day they hunt all night long with spotlights. There’s no law-enforcement until the daytime when they’re really only concerned about trespass violations.

Sorry but saying wardens don't work nights on timberland is just factually false.

In fact, many of these areas preclude night time use, which would be punishable as a trespass charge.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Tinmaniac]

The problem is all the poaching goes on after dark, especially in big timber company‘s property that is gated the night shift comes in after everybody leaves during the day they hunt all night long with spotlights. There’s no law-enforcement until the daytime when they’re really only concerned about trespass violations.

Sorry but saying wardens don't work nights on timberland is just factually false.

In fact, many of these areas preclude night time use, which would be punishable as a trespass charge.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

There are certain groups where spotlighting isn't illegal or at least definitely not enforceable by WDFW.Its poaching in my book .

[pianoman9701]

The problem is all the poaching goes on after dark, especially in big timber company‘s property that is gated the night shift comes in after everybody leaves during the day they hunt all night long with spotlights. There’s no law-enforcement until the daytime when they’re really only concerned about trespass violations.

Sorry but saying wardens don't work nights on timberland is just factually false.

In fact, many of these areas preclude night time use, which would be punishable as a trespass charge.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

There are certain groups where spotlighting isn't illegal or at least definitely not enforceable by WDFW.Its poaching in my book .

That's another rabbit hole we shouldn't be going down in this thread.

[bbarnes]

spotlighting is not legal during a big game season for predators