Refuge Law Enforcement Mission
Protecting resources and people on our refuges is the fundamental responsibility of Federal Wildlife Officers. The mission of the Refuge Law Enforcement Program is to support the administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System through the management and protection of natural, historic and cultural resources, property, and people on lands and waters of our national wildlife refuges.


VIOLATIONS:
To report a violation on the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge please call 618-998-5950. In case of emergency please call 911.
Alternatively, the National Wildlife Refuge System TIPs hotline is an effective means of reporting violations occurring on your local National Wildlife Refuge.
• The TIPs line consists of a dedicated phone line and email address for reporting refuge violations.
• The hotline and e-mail are monitored Monday-Friday from 8 AM until 4:30 PM, but can be used 24/7
• By phone: 1-844-NWR-TIPS (697-8477)
• By email: nwr_tips@fws.gov
• You will be asked for the type of incident as well as the date, place (refuge name or county/state) and approximate time of the incident.
• People may leave their name and contact information, which will aid law enforcement in the response and investigation. They also may remain anonymous. Any contact information provided will be used for official purposes only.

Becoming a Federal Wildlife Officer
Students interested in becoming a Federal Wildlife Officer are encouraged to pursue a two or four year degree in natural resources conservation, criminal justice, or a related field; though applicable experience may be substituted for education. Applicants must pass a physical fitness test, a psychological screening, a background check, be between the ages of 18 and 37, and be qualified to carry a firearm to be considered eligible. Wildlife Officers must then undergo rigorous training including 17 weeks at a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, 3 weeks of Federal Wildlife Officer Basic School, and 10 weeks of the Field Training and Evaluation Program. All openings for local Law Enforcement Positions with the Fish and Wildlife Service are posted on
https://www.usajobs.gov/