Learn About a Career in Conservation Law Enforcement

Are you a high school student interested in pursuing a career in conservation law enforcement or public safety? If so, please join the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources and other state agencies to learn more about the State Agency Public Safety Explorer Post during recruitment night on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the GBI Headquarters.

The combined state agency public safety explorer post will provide an inside look at the different careers affiliated with conservation law enforcement and state level public safety.  In addition to the Georgia DNR, other agencies involved include GBI (GA Bureau of Investigation), GEMA (GA Emergency Management Agency), GSP (GA State Patrol) and GDC (GA Dept. of Corrections).

Post meetings take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, and rotate twice a month between one of the five state agencies for a total of 10 meetings. A $30 cash registration fee is required to join, and includes a polo shirt.

If you are interested in attending the recruitment night, please RSVP your attendance by March 9th to Stephanie Hynes at: shynes@atlantabsa.org or at 770-989-2860. Space is limited, and parents are encouraged to attend this meeting. Come on out March 15, and learn more about this great program!

Publications Feature Georgia DNR

The law enforcement section of the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division is featured multiple times in the November-December 2011 issue of Small Craft Advisory (SCA).  SCA published an article on Georgia’s use of side sonar scan in recovering drowning victims (Article: “Side Sonar Scan Facilitates Quicker Recovery”), and also mentions WRD’s “Ohoopee River Rescue” YouTube video (which can be viewed below).

Also, check out the Go Fish Education Center’s profile in the Houston County Living magazine. View the entire article HERE!

SCA is the official publication of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Law Enforcement Training Never Stops

Maj. Adams makes his way through a trench in the "Yellow Brick Road" course.

Not many have what it takes to become part of the Law Enforcement Section of the Wildlife Resources Division.  One must complete 18 weeks of law enforcement training just to become a Conservation Ranger and certified Peace Officer. In reality, the training never ends for our rangers.

Major Stephen Adams of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources recently attended a 10 week program with law enforcement officers from around the globe at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. The purpose of the Academy is “to support, promote and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic and contemporary challenges.”

Maj. Adams and his classmates were put to the test mentally and physically. The program offers classes through the University of Virginia in criminal justice related fields, but classroom courses are just part of what the program offers.  Attendees also took part in a 34-mile swim challenge, strongman competition and the rigorous “Yellow Brick Road” course, where participants weathered various element, obstacles and environments.

All of our Conservation Rangers can attest their training truly is 365 days a year. While it is a strenuous job, programs like the one Maj. Adams participated in, allow the Wildlife Resources Division to continually enhance and educate our Law Enforcement Section.

Note: Special thanks to Maj. Stephen Adams of the WRD’s Law Enforcement Section for his contributions to this post.