Convinced of the need, the legislature approved the measure in 1978. Today's conservation officer is a highly-trained professional. Officer trainees-enforcement technicians are required to attend and successfully complete POST Academy instruction and field training exercises while working alongside veteran conservation officers. Trainees study IDFG statutes, Commission Rules, officer safety, public relations, enforcement situations and Department policy. The veteran officers continually evaluate each technician for 10 weeks to determine if he or she will be hired as a conservation officer.
Training continues throughout officers' careers.
All attend 12 to 16 hours of specialized courses, such as defensive training, twice a year. Officers may attend other training seminars when available.