Current Position: Conservation Police Officer II
How long have you been with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and in what capacity?
Twenty years total. I was a Conservation Police Officer I for 14 years and a Conservation Police Officer II for the past 6 years.
How did you become involved in working as a Conservation Police Officer?
I started working for the Department of Conservation, Division of Law Enforcement as a civilian, as the Regional Coordinator for the mandatory safety education programs. Wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement, I became acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of a Conservation Police Officer. The career of a Conservation Police Officer intrigued me and sounded very challenging, so I tested to be one.
Describe a typical day at your job.
(If there is no such thing as a typical day, then please tell us about your primary responsibilities and duties.)
Typical day? Not in the life of a Conservation Police Officer. Each day is different. Our primary responsibilities and duties are many. However, they are all related to assuring the safety of those engaged in outdoor recreational activities, as well as contributing to the safety of all citizens. As Conservation Police Officers we are sworn to enforce laws and regulations designed to protect the state’s natural resources from exploitation. We have authority to enforce all laws; criminal laws, vehicle laws and drug laws, to mention a few.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
40 hours/week.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
Facing and completing various tasks/situations as they arise on all levels. From assisting an individual in the field to representing the Department at a 'nation-wide coverage' news conference.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
The diversity. I also enjoy helping and meeting the public and other public safety officials.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
- Schooling: Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of a Bachelor’s degree, preferably with course work in law enforcement, social services/sciences or related conservation fields.
- Training: Mandatory State Police Board Training, and Conservation Police Training. Required firearms training and familiarity. Successful completion of field officer training. Required continued training/re-certifications.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
Firearm experience/familiarity and the justice system procedures.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
No projects per se. Just general enforcement details of ensuring safety and compliance in our state parks and bodies of water.
If someone were interested in working as a Conservation Police Officer, what advice could you give them?
Familiarize yourself with all aspect of the career and don’t quit until you become a Conservation Police Officer. Strive to be the BEST candidate for the job. Show pride in yourself and the Department.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
From a law enforcement point of view, it is very gratifying to see more and more families utilizing our state parks. Our hard work enforcing compliance is paying off.
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