ABSTRACT

To date, a great deal of confusion and misinformation surrounds the authority (and therefore potentially wider discretion) that conservation officers possess to search private property, vehicles, and residences. Utilizing a survey of approximately 1,600 officers employed in 15 state-level conservation agencies in the United States, the current inquiry examines conservation officer perceptions of their search authority. Findings indicate there is substantial state-level variation in statutory authority granted to conservation officers relative to their search and seizure capabilities. A substantial percentage of conservation officers believe that they possess authority to search private property beyond that granted to other law enforcement officers. Findings indicate that this perception is less common for vehicles or private residences. The findings from this study have implications for conservation officer training, policy, and procedure.

摘要

迄今为止，保护官员拥有搜查私人财产、车辆和住宅的权力（因此可能具有更广泛的自由裁量权）存在大量混乱和错误信息。通过对美国 15 个州级保护机构的约 1,600 名官员的调查，目前的调查检查了保护官员对其搜索权限的看法。调查结果表明，授予保护官员的法定权力相对于他们的搜索和扣押能力存在很大的州级差异。相当大比例的保护官员认为，他们拥有搜查私人财产的权力，超出了授予其他执法人员的权力。调查结果表明，这种看法在车辆或私人住宅中并不常见。