CHAPTER 18-16
DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES

18-16-1 Tribal Police Fish and Wildlife Officer Duties and Authorities.

Each Tribal Police Fish and Wildlife Officer shall be able to conduct the following activities:

(A)    Identify furbearers, big game, small game, waterfowl, all wildlife and threatened, protected and/or endangered species and their habitats.

(B)    Identify species of fish and their habitats.

(C)    Recognize and dismantle illegal sport gear and commercial fishing tackle (nets, trap sets, snares, deadfalls, etc.).

(D)    Recognize and seize illegal firearms and ammunition.

(E)    Conduct random patrol on land and water by use of car, truck, boat, aircraft, snowmobile, snowshoes, skis, and foot.

(F)    Recognize signs of illegal hunting, fishing and trapping activity.

(G)    Respond to complaints and take action or refer to appropriate agency if needed.

(H)    Interview complainants and witnesses.

(I)    Cite in a professional manner violations of season, time, protected species, and illegal methods, bag limits, sex.

(J)    Seize, mark and hold illegal game and equipment in a safe place for court evidence. Provide confiscated property receipts.

(K)    Determine appropriate methods for apprehending illegal operators.

(L)    Determine ownership of dogs that are running deer or any wildlife; inform the owner of circumstances and to keep dogs tied or destroy dogs that are running deer or any wildlife as per Nation’s policy.

(M)    Prepare detailed incident reports for courtroom use and prepare informational complaint history.

(N)    Stop vehicles and boats when occupants have been observed in violation of the law or when violations are suspected.

(O)    Check licenses, permits and tags to determine if valid, not borrowed, or fraudulently obtained or that conditions of license/permit are otherwise in compliance.

(P)    When so directed by appropriate court, commission or operational policy, sell confiscated fish and wildlife, and have check made payable to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

(Q)    Any fish or wildlife that is confiscated or seized shall be secured or stored as not to be wasted or spoiled. Any perishable fish or wildlife shall be stored in a freezer. If any species is too large to fit into a freezer, the animal will be processed at a commercial processing plant and then placed into the freezer with head, cape and other parts. Fish and wildlife recovered where no citation has been issued or formal court appearance has occurred will be donated to charitable causes and a signed receipt shall be obtained from the charitable organizations. No fish or wildlife seized or confiscated will be sold or donated until the case has been disposed.

(R)    Examine fish or wildlife for method of take and when taken.

(S)    Investigate animal damage or depredation, issue permits, and/or destroy animals.

(T)    Report vehicle killed deer to appropriate authorities.

(U)    Inspect for legality of fur and tag with appropriate tag(s).

(V)    Assist Department with statutory responsibility in recovery of drowning victims, lost persons, severe weather emergencies and civil disorders when requested.

(W)    Maintain a working relationship with the tribal or other courts and Federal Prosecutors, Court Judge, Clerk of Court and various support staff.

(X)    Act as Court Officer and liaison for all cases within jurisdiction.

(Y)    Obtain and serve search warrants, seize property and issue evidence receipts.

(Z)    Know and practice courtroom etiquette and procedure.

(AA)    Testify as witness at motions, preliminary hearings and trials.

(AB)    All weapons shall be inspected monthly by the Tribal Police Fish and Wildlife Officer or designee.

(AC)    All firearms shall be cleaned at least once every two (2) weeks. Ammunition shall be replaced at least once a year.

(AD)    The proper storage of firearms at home shall include rendering firearms inoperable by a safety device and/or storing ammunition and the weapons separately. Both ammunition and firearms shall be stored places not readily accessible to children.

(AE)    Map reading techniques (e.g., road, topographic, quadrangle, plat books).

(Amended by PBP TC No. 2017-335, October 26, 2017; amended by PBP TC No. 2020-123, April 8, 2020)