Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Conservation Officers

The Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division is commissioned with the responsibility of protecting the natural resources of Indiana. These resources are widely varied, and as a result, so are the duties of the Indiana Conservation Officer (ICO).

You will find officers patrolling the woods and waters of the state day and night, in all types of weather, and all through the year. Patrolling hunting, fishing, and boating are only part of the job of the Indiana conservation officer. These officers also will be found protecting timber, ginseng, fur, endangered and threatened species, and native and historical sites, as well as enforcing regulations on DNR properties.

In addition to patrolling, the conservation officer also investigates drownings, firearm injuries, watercraft accidents on the lakes and rivers, fish and wildlife kills from pollution, and timber theft, as well as conducting traffic and criminal investigations on state properties.

The job doesn’t stop with just enforcing the law. Educating and protecting the people who use natural resources are a major part of the conservation officer’s role. Outdoor Education courses administered by conservation officers include hunting, boating, snowmobile, and trapper safety. Conservation officers also are called upon often to talk to varied groups such as Scouts, church groups and adult service organizations about diverse topics ranging from tree identification to building wood duck boxes.

In times of natural disasters, conservation officers are called on to assist in relief efforts because of their unique training, experience, and equipment that allows them to get off the road and to the problems. Flooding, tornadoes, and ice and snow storms are a few of the situations where you will find conservation officers on the job.

Conservation officers work closely with other law enforcement agencies in their assigned areas. Since 1971, the ICO has been given full police power in Indiana, and officers are found assisting with drug investigations, serving search and arrest warrants, and helping with domestic violence calls, to name just a few.

No matter what the challenge, Indiana conservation officers are dedicated and equipped to meet it. They proudly protect the natural resources of Indiana and the people enjoying them.

Stay up to date on new boating laws!

Be sure to stay abreast of new boating laws and requirements.

• For state boating law information, call the Law Enforcement Division, Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 317-232-4010.
• For federal boating laws, call the U. S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-368-5647.

Information in this manual does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Indiana which is found in the State of Indiana Code and federal laws.

Everything you need to know about boating in Indiana is just a click away!

Visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website for information about:

• State parks and reservoirs
• Boater and snowmobile education courses
• Hunter education courses
• ICOO Youth Camp
• Boating laws
• Recreation Guide
• Lake Michigan
• TIP (Turn in a Poacher/Polluter)
• DNR’s Division of Law Enforcement
• DNR telephone numbers
• Division of Fish & Wildlife