SCDNR works to achieve North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division has begun a three-year accreditation process to further strengthen its effectiveness and meet nationally recognized standards.

In January, SCDNR began in the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation (NAWLAEA) program. The three-year program will begin with a self-assessment to determine what changes might be implemented, a period of implementing those changes and an evaluation to ensure standards are met.

The accreditation program enables agencies to be systematically and objectively measured, evaluated and continually updated.

"Becoming accredited through NAWLEA will help to ensure that the SCDNR Law Enforcement Division is held to professional and transparent national standards," said Col. Chisolm Frampton, deputy director over the Law Enforcement Division. "The accreditation standards will emphasize accountability and pave the way to ensuring greater public trust in our officers."

SCDNR will work to align with the program's goals, which include:

- Increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of natural resource law enforcement agencies in the delivery of services.

- Promoting cooperation and coordination among all components in the criminal justice system and the communities served.

- Ensuring appropriate training for natural resource law enforcement personnel.

- Promoting public confidence in natural resource law enforcement.

- Elevating the professionalism of law enforcement agencies involved in the NAWLEA process.

Commitment to Excellence:

By seeking accreditation, SCDNR is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to excellence in natural resource law enforcement. The accreditation process will not only enhance the agency's capabilities but also contribute to the overall improvement of the profession.

Community Impact: Achieving accreditation will further strengthen the agency's ability to serve and protect local communities and the state's natural resources. The increased effectiveness and coordination resulting from NAWLEA accreditation will positively impact the areas we serve.

Public Confidence: SCDNR recognizes the importance of public confidence in law enforcement. NAWLEA accreditation will serve as a testament to SCDNR's dedication to transparency, professionalism and the highest standards of service.

About NAWLEA

The North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation program is dedicated to advancing the natural resource law enforcement profession. NAWLEA establishes and maintains professional standards, providing a formal mechanism for agencies to be systematically and objectively measured, evaluated, and updated. The program aims to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and professionalism of law enforcement agencies involved in the protection and conservation of natural resources.