Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Report

This study is the first in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of USDA Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues entailed in their jobs. An email survey was administered to 404 law enforcement officers (LEOs) in national forests across the United States. In all, 294 were completed and returned. In response to the safety of forest visitors many respondents believed that forest visitors are safe from other visitors and are physically safe from site features. The LEOs reported feeling hampered in their jobs, however, by the large size and remoteness of the patrol areas, coupled with a lack of resources (e.g., personnel, equipment, and backup). Key characteristics of successes experienced by LEOs included adequate resources, collaboration, and communication. Nationally, LEOs characterized a successful law enforcement program as one that has sufficient resources, is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program, is staffed by highly qualified individuals, and has good leadership.