Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer Interstate carrying

**racingfast** · January 25th, 2012, 09:40 PM

Having a discussion with a buddy regarding a deputy WCO.... I read on the PA GAME COMMISSION website all the details in becoming a DWCO... and its a job you must REALLY love since it doesnt pay!

The Pennsylvania Civil Service Act, or the Commonwealth's Collective Bargaining Act, does not cover deputies. Deputies do not receive regular salary or wages, however, they may receive limited compensation for certain duties. History clearly has shown that, in the performance of their duties, deputies spend far more money than they make.

Nowhere in all the requirements and duties does it mention carrying a firearm...even tho it does say this:

" Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officers should be prepared to function in all phases of the Game Commission's activity and assume the powers as authorized by the Game and Wildlife Code"

But the question is this- would a DWCO have authority to carry across state borders without question? I cannot see a valid reason for doing so... he has been informed other wise...

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

**johnpsu** · January 25th, 2012, 10:06 PM

I believe they would provided the DWCO would follow the provision of the law.

Source: H.R. 218, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act” and S. 1132, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act Improvements Act”

**racingfast** · January 25th, 2012, 10:16 PM

VERY GOOD INFO JOHN.. thank you... sounds like my buddy wins the case of beer!

**tl_3237** · January 25th, 2012, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by racingfast

VERY GOOD INFO JOHN.. thank you... sounds like my buddy wins the case of beer!

Before you buy that case you might want to narrow down exactly what arrest powers a DCWO has to qualify for LEOSA (18 USC 926B), specifically:

§ 926B. Carrying of concealed firearms by qualified law enforcement officers

(c) As used in this section, the term “qualified law enforcement officer” means an employee of a governmental agency who—

(1) is authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of, or the incarceration of any person for, any violation of law, and has statutory powers of arrest;
(2) is authorized by the agency to carry a firearm;

Though it would appear that WCOs qualify due to their broad arrest powers, including for specific non-wildlife crimes (Title 18) under 34 Pa CS §901, it would seem that DWCOs have limited powers (§902).

Maybe someone will come along with more definitive information as to the DWCOs powers but, based on my cursory research, I'm not convinced.

**Greywolf** · January 25th, 2012, 11:25 PM

You might also want to clarify the original question to indicate if you are asking about official, on-duty carry or personal carry when not on duty ...

**racingfast** · January 26th, 2012, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Greywolf

You might also want to clarify the original question to indicate if you are asking about official, on-duty carry or personal carry when not on duty ...

GOOD POINT GREY! The conversation I am having is simply....off duty crossing PA state line to travel thru NY state (RT 84) to go north.

We all know our LTCF wont allow this. My bud, who travels 84 alot thought if he became a DWCO he could. I showed him all the schooling and testing and upfront purchases required-- including a 357 SIG which is the ONLY firearm they use....and IMHO there would be no reason OFF DUTY to cross the state line armed. He is just argumentative and I know we have loads of knowledge on this forum.

THANKS AGAIN! B