Lindsey Leko, a 20-year conservation officer and a regular contributor to the columnist lineup at www.newsoptimist.ca, has provided some interesting information about the expanded role of conservation officers.
Our traditional view of COs as protectors of the environment and wildlife still holds true, but these officers now have an expanded role as part of the Protection and Response Team. Officers have always had a peace officer designation, but they now have new equipment and a new mandate to enforce laws dealing with dangerous driving and to respond to calls for service in rural areas.
Leko says officers won’t patrol specifically looking for traffic violations, but are empowered to make stops if they detect problems during the commission of their regular duties in conservation enforcement. They will also be called to respond to incidents to assist RCMP or to attend to a call if they are able to get there more quickly than other first responders.
CO vehicles are now equipped with roadside screening devices for alcohol, safety shields between the front and back seats, laptops and automated licence plate scanners. “The inside of my truck now looks like the cockpit of a 737 jet,” says Leko
Other members of the ERT team are Ministry of Highways Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers.
The end result is more eyes out there. So think about that the next time you contemplate risky behaviour behind the wheel of your vehicle, such as passing on the shoulder of Highway 4 north on a busy Sunday afternoon. You might end up paying the price, but hopefully not the ultimate price.
