SF980

The bill S.F. No. 980 mandates that conservation officers in Minnesota must coordinate all their investigation and enforcement activities with the local sheriff's offices. It alters existing statutes to specify that:

1. Conservation officers must conduct their duties under the supervision of the sheriff's office for the county where these activities take place.
2. If a conservation officer operates within a single county, the local sheriff’s office has the authority to control the officer's work schedule and shifts.
3. In multi-county regions, the sheriff's offices involved can jointly manage the scheduling and duties of the conservation officers.
4. Conservation officers need to be accompanied by a sheriff or deputy sheriff during investigations and other enforcement activities, except in very specific circumstances such as immediate law violations or when acting on another agency's request.

The bill also includes amendments to empower specific employees to perform certain enforcement duties and make clear that laws empowering peace officers are consistent with these new rules for conservation officers. Additionally, it redefines the involvement of officers in storing and seizing wildlife and related equipment under specific conditions to ensure compliance with the game and fish laws.

This change aims to integrate local sheriff authorities more closely with the activities of conservation officers, enhancing cooperation and possibly improving enforcement efficiency.