DWF ENFORCEMENT: WHY IT WORKS

By Randall M. Oddo

For those of us who can remember the 'good ole' days,' taking note of today's game warden can offer a whole new picture. Gone are the days of easy ticket-fixing, lackadaisical resource interests, and censored public information. There's new blood in town and it can be traced back to the head man in charge.

Governor Mike Foster stands for conservation, Secretary Jimmy Jenkins wastes no time in backing the ranks and Col. Winton Vidrine, Enforcement Chief since 1989, runs a tight ship, an obvious attribute noticeable in the exemplary ranks under his command. Lt. Col. Charlie Clark is a prime example. Of special note, are the contributions of Lt. Col. Clark. A 26 year veteran of the Enforcement Division, Clark began his career as an entry level enforcement agent assigned to the coastal areas of the state. He worked his way through the ranks to include the duties of the Louisiana Boating Law Administrator. In this capacity, Clark served in many forums, including the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, National water Safety Congress, the National Boating Safety Council, Appointee to the USCG Boating Safety Advisory Council, and the United States Fishing and Partnership Council. And the state of Louisiana is not the only site recognizing this high caliber individual. Clark's work in the Boating Safety theater has been internationally distinguished, holding the nation's highest honor in that field: a Congressional and United States Coast Guard Commendation. He is aided by four capable majors.

Major Brian Spillman supervises the Refuge Patrol and Saltwater Enforcement Patrol as well as the challenge handling all purchasing and fleet related operations. Major Keith LaCaze handles the north Louisiana regions and Dive Team, as well as Operation Game Thief (OGT), the Oyster Strike Force, and serves as the division public information officer. Major Jeff Mayne is the Legislative liaison, the liaison to the National Marine Fisheries Service, and supervises the Covert section and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Major Sandy Dares, recently promoted from Captain of Region VIII, New Orleans, oversees all coastal regions, supervises the Statewide Strike Force, and works closely with Majors Mayne and Spillman on updating policies and standard operating procedures.

Numerous Captains from all regions work diligently to uphold wildlife laws in the state. One such man was recently promoted to Captain at the New Orleans Region VIII office, replacing then-Captain, Sandy Dares after his appointment to Major. Captain Brian Clark, a Chalmette, Louisiana, resident, began traversing the inner reaches of Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes, making cases, conducting clinics, and quickly became an expert diver working Search and rescue. He is known by his peers to have often gone far above his job description, working behind the scenes promoting proper public relations for the department on a statewide level. His work with the Louisiana Wildlife Agents Association (LWAA) has been exemplary - his promotion to Captain came as no surprise.

There are dedicated captains in each of the other regions, as well as lieutenants supervising each of the work units. Through cooperation and a sense of common goal, these supervisors utilize the resources allotted to battle poaching. Each agent plays a significant role in this mission, and there is a sense there has never been a better staff, better equipment, or a stronger sense of commitment than at present. There are rank and file agents whose ideals and aspirations are qualities most law enforcement agencies could pattern themselves by.

The LDWF Enforcement Division has come a long way, from the days of political turbulence, to a no nonsense platform where personal feelings are swept aside and the betterment of the state are of paramount importance and priority. If there were ever a law enforcement agency that 'pulled no punches,' it is this one - hands down. And by some accounts, the reason for this unprecedented success is largely due to appointments well deserved.

The Enforcement Division is comprised of men and women betoken the "Untouchables," as bribes and favoritism find no sanctuary; 'you do the crime . . . you do the time,' is a reality most citizens of this state are well aware of. Through extensive public relations work, the agents have seen a tremendous turn around in the attitude of the average outdoorsman. Agents are now supported strongly in their efforts, and voluntary compliance is at an all time high.

It would be totally accurate to assume the successful achievements of the Enforcement Division's rank and file can be directly related to positive examples from the top. And ironically, these unsung heros and heroines are seldom seen waving their own flags. It's no wonder then, why the Enforcement Division enjoys such a high place in today's society. From the common outlaw, to the conservation-minded citizen, each can attest to the fact that the Enforcement Division is a force we can be proud of, and it is because of the people within that circle, we can sleep well at night and those people are - why it works.