Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The Division of Law Enforcement and the Division of Refuges contribute to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.

The Division of Law Enforcement investigates wildlife crimes, regulates wildlife trade, helps Americans understand and obey wildlife protections laws, and works in partnership with international, state, and tribal counterparts to conserve wildlife resources.

The Division of Refuges investigates wildlife and other crimes and ensures the safety of visitors to National Wildlife Refuges and Waterfowl Production Areas across the nation.

Special Agents: Special Agents of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service have challenging and rewarding careers. They are trained criminal investigators who enforce Federal wildlife laws throughout the United States. They conduct law enforcement investigations that may include activities such as surveillance, undercover work, making arrest, and preparing cases for court. They often work with other Federal, tribal, foreign, state, or local law enforcement authorities. Special Agents enforce traditional migratory bird regulations and investigate major commercial activities involving illegal trade in protected wildlife. Some agents work at border ports where they enforce Federal laws protecting domestic and foreign wildlife species that enter into interstate and international commerce.

Wildlife Inspectors: Wildlife inspectors are the Nation's front-line defense against the illegal wildlife trade – a criminal enterprise that threatens species worldwide. These professional import-export control officers ensure that wildlife shipments comply with U.S. and international wildlife protection laws. Stationed at the Nation's major international airports, ocean ports, and border crossings, wildlife inspectors monitor an annual trade worth more than $1 billion. They stop illegal shipments, intercept smuggled wildlife and wildlife products, and help the United States fulfill its commitment to global wildlife conservation.

Refuge Officers: Refuge law enforcement officers are uniformed officers charged with resources protection and providing visitor and employee safety on National Wildlife Refuges and Wetland Management Districts. Resource protection includes protection of wildlife, fish and plants as well as cultural resources on the many field stations within the Midwest. Common activities include investigating illegal hunting and fishing, arson, theft, vandalism, dumping and drug related activities. Additionally, Refuge officers many times are the public face of the National Wildlife Refuge System and answer questions and assist visitors on the field stations.

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