Welcome from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management / Environmental Police

The Mission

The mission of the Environmental Police is to protect our natural resources and ensure compliance with all environmental conservation laws through law enforcement and education.

The History

The history of theEnvironmental Police dates back to 1842 when the Commission of Shellfisheries was established. Later the General Assembly created the Commission of Inland Fisheries and Commissioners of Birds. In 1935, the three commissions were joined to establish the Division of Fish and Game. The Division of Fish and Game was later replaced by the Department of Natural Resources, which became the Department of Environmental Management and remains in existence today. Conservation Officers, previously known as Game Wardens, were placed into the Division of Law Enforcement and in 1998 became known as Environmental Police Officers.

About the Division

Environmental Police Officers are responsible for patrolling and enforcing environmental, criminal, and vehicle laws on state property and within the state parks and management areas. Environmental Police Officers are responsible for patrolling over 53,000 acres of state land, 92 salt and freshwater boat launching and fishing areas, 300 miles of rivers and streams, and 417 miles of coastline including the territorial waters of the state, which extends out three miles. Along with their responsibilities to enforce state environmental laws, Officers are cross-deputized by such agencies as the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and U. S. Customs Service to assist in enforcing each agency’s laws within the state.

Learn just about everything you want to know about what is going on outdoors in Rhode Island!

Visit the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management / Environmental Police website and:

• Stay current on all boating safety laws
• Find out about fishing opportunities
• Get answers to questions about:
  • boat titling and registration
  • fishing licenses and regulations
• Find out about state parks

Wear your life jacket! It floats, you don't.