LEOs in SGL ??

[SgtRick417]

I sincerely hope this does not start one of those flame throwing or P_$$ng contests. Just wondering…

This week I was walking on a dirt road that passes thru an SGL. Was at least a half mile from the edges of the SGL when I was stopped by a township police officer.

The cop was marginally courteous, within the bounds of professionalism. He quizzed me about what I was driving and two dead does that were lying well off the road at a location where it would have been difficult for a casual driver to have seen them. These does were also well within the SGL. I was aware of the does because my dog had sniffed them out. The cop went on to tell me that someone driving a vehicle that “looks like” the vehicle I was driving had killed the does.

After he drove away I began to wonder…. Since when do township cops have an interest in pursuing game code violations that occur within the boundary of SGL? It seems to me that a couple years ago there was a DuBois cop who was shot while turkey hunting and the PGC maintained their authority over the investigation even in the face of local LEO objections…

So… HUH?? Who does what?

[bogey1]

If i were a cop and found two dead doe laying alongside the road(off the road) , I'd check it out too. I dont know if cops are allowed to do something like that, but being a sportsman myself, and not liking poaching, I'd have to check it out too.

[GrumpyBear]

Maybe possible Deputy Game Warden on the side ?

Could just be like bogey1 said,fellow sportsman who dislikes poaching.

[DavidTM]

I think.....and I'm just reaching into my past readings....which at times is a mumble-stir of a lot of stuff, but again, I think any LEO can enforce a State Law. As such, the Game Laws are State Laws and therefore can be enforced by any valid State or Local law enforcement Agency. (I don't know about Federal Agencies) I do believe that local laws can only be enforced by local LEO's.

Dave

[Steve in PA]

I've stopped people for illegal spotlighting (after legal hours). Contact was made, information gathered including seizing the spotlight and PGC was contacted. WCO stopped by the station, picked up evidence and my report, then charged the offender.

If I found the deer, I would probably be checking it out too.

[DavidTM]

I've stopped people for illegal spotlighting (after legal hours). Contact was made, information gathered including seizing the spotlight and PGC was contacted. WCO stopped by the station, picked up evidence and my report, then charged the offender.

If I found the deer, I would probably be checking it out too.

Now Steve.....are you sure you just didn't need a new spotlight??

[tl_3237]

I think.....and I'm just reaching into my past readings....which at times is a mumble-stir of a lot of stuff, but again, I think any LEO can enforce a State Law. As such, the Game Laws are State Laws and therefore can be enforced by any valid State or Local law enforcement Agency. (I don't know about Federal Agencies) I do believe that local laws can only be enforced by local LEO's.

Dave

34 PA CS § 903. Delegation of enforcement powers.
Any person elected or employed by the Commonwealth or by any
municipality, whose duty it is to preserve the peace or to make
arrests or to enforce the laws of this Commonwealth, may be
designated and empowered by the director, with the approval of
the commission, to enforce the provisions of this title under
policies established by the director.

058 Pa Code § 131.3. Enforcement.

In addition to Wildlife Conservation Officers or Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officers, the Director designates and empowers the following persons to enforce the act and this part while acting within the scope of their employment and jurisdiction.

(1) Pennsylvania State Police.


(2) Pennsylvania Waterways Conservation Officers.


(3) Pennsylvania Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers.


(4) Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources personnel with enforcement powers.


(5) Commonwealth, municipality or Federal agency employes with written approval of the Director.

Would seem that local LEOs would need Game Commissioner approval to enforce Game laws.

[Deleted]

Or they asked him to.

[R.W.J]

Would seem that local LEOs would need Game Commissioner approval to enforce Game laws.

There are no local agencies with approval at this time, however they can still do as Steve done and turn ot over to the WCO.

[tl_3237]

There are no local agencies with approval at this time, however they can still do as Steve done and turn ot over to the WCO.

Agreed but was he within his authority to confiscate personal property employed in the game law violation (spotlight)?