Strategic goals 2014-2016 [2014]

Strategic Goals 2014--2016
"Serving Georgia Since 1911" LAW ENFORCEMENT Off the Pavement

Colonel Eddie Henderson Director of Law Enforcement

A Word from the Director
As the Law Enforcement Division moves forward, we must stay focused on our core mission, Conservation Law Enforcement. This consists of hunting, fishing, boating, environmental enforcement as well as public safety on all DNR controlled properties. The services we provide are an integral and vital part of the Department of Natural Resources fulfilling our agencies' responsibilities. Our unique capabilities provide relevant and essential services for the sportsmen and women of this state as well as all outdoor recreational users. We provide the basic quality of life for the general populace in our state.
Conservation Officers (Game Wardens) were the first community oriented officers in the United States. We must continue with this tradition and be active in our communities and garner support for our enforcement efforts.
This document will provide guiding principles for our division over the next three years. The success of our division depends on our collaboration with the other divisions within DNR, the hard work of our officers, field investigations and our great support staff. We will continue to partner with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to support our core missions.
The Law Enforcement Division has a proud history of carrying out our duties in a professional, resourceful, respectful and caring manner. It is an honor to serve you as the Law Enforcement Director and lead this division as we build on our traditions, expand our responsibilities and embrace the new challenges that lie ahead.
Colonel Eddie Henderson

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Over 100 Years of
Wildlife Enforcement
Georgians have a history of caring about their wildlife. The first state law enforcement agency, the Georgia Game and Fish Commission, was founded July 11, 1911. Governor Joseph M. Brown appointed Jesse Mercer as the first Commissioner.
In 1911 the proud tradition of being a "Georgia Game Warden" began. Commissioner Mercer appointed 146 County Game Wardens. These officers blazed the trail for the officers of today. In 1911 the County Game Wardens bought their own sidearm and used their personal vehicles to go out and earn their $3.00 a day salary. The same tenacity, strength of character and a willingness to go beyond what is required describes the men and women of the first century as accurately as today's officers. There is a proud history of "Game Wardens" performing their duties with professionalism, fortitude, diligence, valor and respect that resonates throughout the history of this great agency.
The Department of Natural Resources has undergone many name changes throughout the first 100 years. In 1972, the Department of Natural Resources was formed by Governor Jimmy Carter. The title of "Game Warden" was changed to the current title of "Conservation Ranger" in 1973. In 2013, Commissioner Mark Williams, created the Law Enforcement Division within the Department of Natural Resources. With the title changes, Conservation Rangers have not forgotten their core mission of protecting Georgia's natural and cultural resources and protecting its citizens.
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Strategic Plan
Goals and Strategies
DNR has the oldest state law enforcement
agency in Georgia. Goal 1: Conservation Law Enforcement
Protect Georgia's natural resources and people through fair and vigorous enforcement efforts and provide a safe environment on DNR controlled properties.

100 Years of Conservation Law Enforcement as depicted
by Montana Etheridge
In 1911, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation creating Game Wardens.

Strategy 1.1 Encourage voluntary compliance with wildlife and boating laws through proactive and responsive law enforcement patrols on private properties, state controlled properties and waters of the state.
Strategy 1.2 Provide safe boating and hunting experiences through conservation law enforcement efforts to prevent incidents, fatalities, injuries and property damage.
Strategy 1.3 Safeguard Georgia's natural and cultural resources. Develop an intelligence-led policing philosophy that includes monitoring trends in conservation law enforcement and the use of existing data.
Strategy 1.4 Determine the staffing requirements to meet the conservation law enforcement and public safety needs for all DNR controlled properties and private lands.
Strategy 1.5 Provide emergency response during critical incidents and natural disasters.
Strategy 1.6 Coordinate the department's law enforcement efforts with all divisions through regular communication and consultation.
Strategy 1.7 Update and improve communication systems for officer safety and enhance responses to calls for assistance from the public.
Strategy 1.8 Utilize our unique capabilities, equipment and expertise to provide search, rescue, and recovery operations.
Strategy 1.9 Research the prospect of a statutory requirement for DNR LED to be the report repository of drownings that occur on or in waters of the state.

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Goal 2: Education, Outreach and Community Involvement

Conservation Ranger performing a license inspection of a dove hunter.

Utilize communications, marketing and community involvement strategies to promote conservation law enforcement education, recruitment and retention of sportsmen and women, the mission, responsibilities and unique capabilities of the Law Enforcement Division.

Strategy 2.1 Promote safe boating and hunting by providing boater and hunter education through online and inperson classes.
Strategy 2.2 Utilize media relations, LED presentations, press releases and social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) to enhance communication with citizens and the division's stakeholders. Emphasis will be on using social media to recruit and retain sportsmen and women and as an educational tool.
Strategy 2.3 Hire a Public Affairs Specialist/Officer who will develop and lead implementation of an LED marketing plan. The marketing plan will emphasize the division's vision, mission, responsibilities, unique capabilities, operational needs and relevance . This message will be communicated to the citizens of Georgia, the General Assembly, board members, local public officials, NGOs and other divisions within the department.
Strategy 2.4 Develop/promote an intelligence led and a conservation community oriented policing initiative and philosophy for our core constituents and local conservation communities.

To the County and Deputy Game Wardens: In the performance of the duties incumbent upon you, I would make the following suggestions: In your efforts to enforce the Game and Fish Laws be always, moderate, tactful and impartial. Let it be known to the people whom you serve that it is your desire and determination to win their good will and respect.
Chas. S Arnow State Game and Fish Commissioner 1916

Conservation Rangers performing a boating safety inspection.
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Long Line Rescue Training At Tallulah Gorge
K-9 Handler Training
CTTF Training

Goal 3: Training, Recruitment and Retention
Promote professional excellence throughout the Law Enforcement Division by providing quality service, knowledgeable associates, and a well-trained and specialized workforce. Continue to improve the Law Enforcement Division's ability to train and retain the most qualified associates in order to provide the best customer service to the citizens of the State of Georgia.
Strategy 3.1 Identify relevant training and equipment needs to better prepare DNR law enforcement officers, enhance officer safety and reduce conservation crimes and incidents. Focus annual training on current, relevant needs of the division. Strategy 3.2 Research new technology that will enhance the division's ability to provide public safety and safe guard Georgia's natural and cultural resources. Strategy 3.3 Refine and improve our current Field Training Program for the officers who are responsible for training new employees. Strategy 3.4 Identify and mentor potential recruits for employment opportunities in Conservation Law Enforcement. Promote interest in LED careers by communicating/marketing job requirements and successes. Strategy 3.5 Monitor hiring standards and compensation packages for LE officers in other state agencies, in order to attract and retain the most qualified employees. Strategy 3. 6 Continue succession training to develop and prepare the future leaders of the Law Enforcement Division.
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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
VISION STATEMENT
The vision of the Law Enforcement Division is to ensure that Georgia's natural resources will be conserved for our present and future generations.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Law Enforcement Division is to conserve our natural resources and to protect the people we serve. We maintain public support through fair and vigorous law enforcement, quality education, and community involvement. We commit ourselves to
our Vision and Mission by practicing our core beliefs, which are trust, fairness, and professionalism.
TRUST IS OUR FOUNDATION
The people we serve are entitled to the highest level of integrity in our public and private actions.
FAIRNESS IS OUR DOCTRINE
We conduct our duties without favoritism or bias.
PROFESSIONALISM IS OUR CREED
We are committed to courteous, effective, and efficient service.
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