UP Gazette

State Representative Dave Prestin presented his case to the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee to update various policies for conservation officers within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This initiative is backed by House Bills 4073 and 4074, which aim to change warrant requirements for the department and enforce the use of body-worn cameras for conservation officers.

“The DNR still utilizes several outdated rules and policies, including the Open Fields Doctrine, that create dangerous situations for DNR officers and the public,” stated Prestin, R-Cedar River. He highlighted instances where conservation officers have entered private land over minimal issues and emphasized the importance of not allowing officers to bypass private property boundaries without proper cause.

The new bills propose that conservation officers should only access private property with a search warrant, similar to other law enforcement agencies. However, the rules would allow exceptions such as permission to enter, hot pursuit of a suspect, protection of life and property, witnessing a crime, or preserving evidence.

Prestin argued, “This bill is not designed to unnecessarily restrict the duties of COs; it’s designed to find balance.” He emphasized balancing the responsibilities of conservation officers with the privacy rights of citizens to prevent potential abuses of power.

State Representative Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, joined Prestin in supporting the committee. Markkanen backs HB 4074, which proposes equipping conservation officers with body-worn cameras. His plan aims to give these officers protections against unfounded accusations of power abuse, similar to other law enforcement personnel.

The DNR modernization proposal is currently under review by the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee, where it awaits a potential vote.