Conservation Officers
Did You Know?

·       Conservation Officers (CO’s) are sworn peace officers, providing environmental police services to the Province of British Columbia.  Officers protect our fish, wildlife and environment by helping to ensure healthy game populations and clean land, air and water for our future generations

·       In addition to the core policing legislation that CO’s must know, we also have to know the following areas of law:  Parks, Land and Forest Crimes, Off Road Vehicle Use, Safe Boating, Fish and Wildlife, Water Protection, Pollution, Mining and resource import and export laws

·       CO’s initiate complex investigations, conduct surveillances and carry out covert operations to put a stop to many types of environmental crime

·       CO’s are first responders and are often called upon to do water rescue and search and rescue.  We locate missing persons

·       CO’s provide assistance during natural disasters such as fires, flooding and extreme snow events

·       The Conservation Officer Service is the lead agency that is mandated to deal with dangerous wildlife and human wildlife conflict in BC

·       CO’s provide investigational and technical support and expertise to:  the RCMP, Municipal Police, the Canadian Military, the Coroners Service, Emergency Management BC, the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Border Services, Canada Coast Guard and Transport Canada, as well as many other sister agencies across Canada, the United States and around the world

·       CO’s often arrest criminals, make drug seizures, recover stolen property and deal with impaired drivers and boaters

·       CO’s receive specialized weapons, equipment and training in order to protect the public and our natural resources

·       CO’s must adhere to professional  standards established by the Federal and Provincial Governments, the Conservation Officer Service, Police Services and the Supreme Court of Canada

·       If you get into trouble or trouble finds you in BC’s back country, a CO will likely be the only law enforcement working in your area, or know how to find you

·       With BC’s population growing and the value of our natural resources increases, our numbers have declined.   Inadequate staffing levels is resulting in higher case loads, slower response times and or no response at all.  Our motto used to be “Anytime Anywhere” now it is “Sometimes Maybe”.  We need more boots on the ground!

·       BC Conservation Officers have the most diverse resource law enforcement job in Canada, yet we are amongst the worst paid.  Being poorly paid and compensated is hurting our recruitment and retention of officers

·       CO’s face constant danger.  Such as patrolling alone in remote areas with limited backup, regularly dealing with armed suspects, dangerous wildlife and hazardous wastes

·       CO's normally enter the field with either a diploma or a degree

·        CO's attend a four month long academy before they are deployed.  The Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy (WCLEA).
WCLEA is a training academy that was founded by conservation officer/fish and wildlife agencies from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon.  WCLEA provides recruits about 80% of their specialized training required for their employment.  Currently, the academy is about a 12-week consisting of courses such as firearms, defensive tactics, swift water rescue, emergency vehicle operators' course, 4x4, snowmobile, interview and interrogation, chemical immobilization, conflict wildlife mitigation, ice rescue.

·       CO’s serve as representatives for the Provincial government in their local committees, task forces and are involved in multi-agency intelligence networks.

·       Charities – through fund raising, social events and charity sporting events,  we regularly donate money to BC Children’s Hospital and Kids Sport.

·       Some CO's are involved in lobbying for tougher environmental laws and penalties for polluters and poachers

To view our more about our deep rooted history protecting the natural resources of BC, please visit:

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To view our more about our deep rooted history protecting the natural resources of BC, please visit:

Click on the Icon