About WDFW Police

Enforcement Program Mission Statement

“To protect our natural resources and the public we serve. “

Who are We?

The Law Enforcement Program has 144 commissioned law enforcement personnel statewide.  Fish and Wildlife Officers (FWOs) are general authority peace officers deployed to six regions throughout the state and a Marine Division. Our Officers are responsible for enforcing a myriad of laws and regulations related to health and public safety, dangerous wildlife/human conflicts, fish and wildlife protection, hunting and fishing license regulations, habitat protection, and commercial fish and shellfish harvest. In addition, we enforce federal laws, Oregon state statutes, and county ordinances through memorandums of agreement. We conduct boating law enforcement on state and federal waters, and law enforcement in state and federal parks and forest lands. Our Officers conduct search and rescue operations on both land and waters. Because of our unique capabilities, assets, and jurisdiction, our Officers are often called upon to respond during severe weather to natural disasters and other critical incidents, to perform public-safety and search and-rescue duties.

What do we Do?

Officers’ Responsibilities
FWOs respond to public safety issues such as dangerous wildlife encounters, natural disasters (including floods, fires, and severe storms), and general law enforcement calls for service. 

Fish and Wildlife Officers are often called upon to assist their local city, county, and other state law enforcement agencies, tribal authorities, and federal agencies.

On an average, officers currently make more than 225,000 enforcement contacts annually.

Officers’ Authority
The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Program is primarily responsible for enforcing Title 77 - the Fish and Wildlife Code. FWOs enforce all criminal laws, including traffic violations, drugs, and warrants for arrest. Officers may also hold county commissions and are charged with enforcing county ordinances as applicable.

Officers also hold federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) commissions, and have jurisdiction over federal violations, the most important of which are the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act. Officers collaborate and coordinate with these agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard.

What does it take to become an Officer?

Click here for WDFW Police Employment to see if you have what it takes

WDFW regional maps, locations, and general information can be found below. 

Statewide Regional Distribution Map

Region 1, Eastern - Spokane

Region 2, North Central - Ephrata

Region 3, South Central - Yakima

Region 4, North Puget Sound – Mill Creek/Seattle

Region 5, Southwest - Vancouver

Region 6, Coastal - Montesano

Turn In a Poacher (TIP)

Information on how to report poaching activity to WDFW Law Enforcement can be done through hotline, text, or online, located here.  All reports can be anonymous.  Check out the Washington Hunter Education/Turn In a Poacher (HE/TIP) Trailer.