Citizens invited to comment on WDFW Enforcement Program

OLYMPIA - The public has an opportunity to comment on the policies and procedures of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) Enforcement Program during a special call-in session on Sunday, Dec. 4.

The telephone comment period, which runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., is part of the enforcement program's requirement for recognition by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Those who would like to express their views on the enforcement program should phone (360) 902-2862 during the comment period. Comments are limited to 10 minutes, and must address the program's ability to comply with CALEA's standards. A copy of the standards is available at the enforcement program's main office: Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, WA, 98501.

Wayne McCoy, chief of the Blue Springs (Mo.) Police Department, will be taking the calls. McCoy is assessing WDFW enforcement policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

The enforcement program was originally recognized by CALEA in 2002, and is one of only two natural resource law enforcement agencies recognized by the commission. The program must continue to meet specific standards in order to be recognized by CALEA. Each recognition period lasts three years.

"CALEA recognition ensures we are meeting or exceeding the best practices established by leaders in the law enforcement community," said Chief Bruce Bjork, who heads WDFW's Enforcement Program.

The WDFW Enforcement Program has 158 staff members, including 131 commissioned officers.

People who would like to submit written comments about the enforcement program should write to: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030. For more information on CALEA, visit the commission's Web site at http://www.calea.org.