State Representative
Robert Westfall

Rep. Bob Westfall (R-Rothsay) is supporting a bill that would increase the enforcement tools for DNR Conservation Officers. The bill would increase the rights and responsibilities of conservation officers so they can be more effectively used in law enforcement.

"Conservation officers are fully licensed peace officers," Westfall said, "and in some rural areas, they are the only peace officer for miles around. We need to make sure they have the same authority as somebody in the police or sheriff's departments."

Conservation officers regularly encounter people carrying firearms while hunting who cannot lawfully possess them because of felony, domestic abuse or violent criminal charges. The DNR enforcement bill would provide a way for these officers to effectively get firearms out of these people's hands.

Another important provision in the DNR enforcement bill allows conservation officers the same authority as other peace officers when it comes to automobile DWI arrests. Currently, conservation officers have the full authority to deal with DWI violations for those operating snowmobiles, ATV's and motorboats, but they cannot currently subject DWI suspects to sobriety testing without the assistance of a police officer, sheriff's deputy or state patrol officer. The new law would give them the full authority to detain, test and arrest drunken drivers in any type of vehicle.

"At times, these conservation officers might be the only people patrolling some of our remote roads," Westfall said. "They're willing and able to help keep drunk drivers off the roads, so I see no reason why they shouldn't have that authority."

The DNR enforcement bill was approved by the House Environment Policy Committee and will be considered by the Crime Prevention Committee before being debated on the House floor.

If you have comments or questions on the bill, or any other issue, Rep. Westfall can be reached by phone at 651-296-6829 or by e-mail at rep.bob.westfall@house.leg.state.mn.us.

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