Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Law Enforcement Section to Seek National Accreditation

Furthering its commitment to the preservation and protection of Alabama's natural resources, the Law Enforcement Section of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division announces it will pursue accreditation through the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation (NAWLEA) program.

Alabama joins Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina and Virginia as one of the first five Conservation Department's in the country to pursue NAWLEA accreditation.

"Our officers and staff are dedicated to advancing the conservation law enforcement profession," said Colonel Michael Weathers, Chief of WFF's Law Enforcement Section. "NAWLEA's mission mirrors our own objectives by focusing on the development of professional standards. The formal mechanism they provide will enable us to better evaluate our law enforcement efforts."

The mission of WFF's Law Enforcement Section is to protect Alabama's natural resources and people through proactive and responsive law enforcement. The Section also provides the public with important first responder services. NAWLEA develops and establishes standards for professionalism and effectiveness in natural resources law enforcement. By establishing and maintaining rigorous standards, NAWLEA ensures that agencies across North America adhere to best practices, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

WFF's Law Enforcement Section goals align with those of NAWLEA, which include the following:

Increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of natural resource law enforcement agencies in the delivery of services

Promoting cooperation and coordination among all components in the criminal justice system and the communities served

Ensuring appropriate training for natural resource law enforcement personnel

Promoting public confidence in natural resource law enforcement

Elevating the professionalism of law enforcement agencies involved in the NAWLEA process

"By seeking NAWLEA accreditation, WFF's Law Enforcement Section is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to excellence," said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. "The accreditation process will not only enhance the agency's capabilities but also contribute to the overall improvement of the profession."

Achieving accreditation will enhance the WFF Law Enforcement Section's ability to serve and protect local communities and natural resources. The increased effectiveness and coordination resulting from NAWLEA accreditation will positively impact the communities the Section serves.

"We recognize the importance of public confidence in natural resource law enforcement," said Colonel Weathers. "This accreditation will serve as a testament to our dedication to transparency, professionalism and the highest standards of service. We look forward to the opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing NAWLEA accreditation. Our commitment to the mission and goals of NAWLEA reflects our ongoing dedication to the communities and natural resources we are honored to serve."

For more information, contact Colonel Michael Weathers at (334) 242-3467.

About NAWLEA

The North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation program is dedicated to advancing the natural resources law enforcement profession. NAWLEA establishes and maintains professional standards, providing a formal mechanism for agencies to be systematically and objectively evaluated. The program aims to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and professionalism of law enforcement agencies involved in the protection and conservation of natural resources. Learn more about NAWLEA at http://www.nawlea.org.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at http://www.outdooralabama.com.