Arrest? warn? educate? Correlates of conservation officer discretionary decision-making

Bibliographic Data

ID21177870
AuthorsMichael J Suttmoeller (Missouri State University), Michael Suttmoeller (0000-0002-3455-2757, Missouri State University, corresponding author), Michael T Rossler (0000-0002-2000-2738, Illinois State University), Charles Scheer (University of Southern Mississippi)
Year2026
Pages1-19
Publication date2026-02-06
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolice Practice and Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1561-4263 • E-ISSN: 1477-271X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15614263.2026.2627209
OpenAlexW7128167894
LanguageEN
References cited30

Discretionary decision-making among traditional law enforcement officers has been the subject of a large amount of extant police research. However, conservation officer discretionary decision-making has received much less scholarly attention. Conservation officers are those that specialize in the enforcement of natural resources laws but have experienced a broadening of their role to encompass more traditional law enforcement duties. Using a sample of conservation officers from fifteen state-level departments of natural resources and departments of conservation, this study examines conservation officer decision-making in relation to specific conservation contexts, as well as from a more traditional policing perspective. Results show that conservation officer discretionary decision-making is influenced by contexts specific to conservation-related duties, as well as more traditional policing contexts. Our findings provide valuable insights for natural resources agencies seeking to enhance their law enforcement operations

Officer · Academic Research and Education Studies · Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management · Conservation, Ecology, Wildlife Education

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