The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement continues its work to enforce environmental laws and protect natural resources across the state. In the first half of 2025, the division received approximately 45,000 calls, which led officers and investigators to respond to over 18,934 complaints and issue or make 9,440 tickets or arrests for various violations such as deer poaching, illegal dumping, and fishing offenses. The previous year saw even higher numbers with more than 105,717 calls fielded in 2024.
Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety, while also working to connect New Yorkers with the outdoors. As we tackle environmental threats on all fronts, I applaud the critical work DEC’s ECOs and Investigators are undertaking to enforce New York’s Environmental Conservation Law and ensure a cleaner, greener, safer, and more resilient New York State.”
Recent activities included participation in recruitment events like the “Career-Con” at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. There, ECOs provided students insight into careers in law enforcement focused on environmental justice.
In Schoharie County on October 21st, officers spoke to students at a hunter safety course at SUNY Cobleskill about responsible hunting practices. All participants passed the course required for obtaining a hunting license.
Compliance patrols have also targeted baited hunting blinds in Suffolk County where three hunters were ticketed for using bait during bowhunting season. In Seneca County during Columbus Day weekend, officers supported young hunters at the Finger Lakes Regional Youth Deer Hunt event.
Community outreach continued with events such as a “Trunk-or-Treat” in Cobleskill where an officer engaged local children by displaying wildlife artifacts from her patrol vehicle.
Scientific efforts included an electrofishing survey conducted in Central Park by ECOs alongside DEC Fisheries staff and Central Park Conservancy employees. Data collected helps monitor fish populations within Manhattan’s urban park waters.
Recruitment drives extended to St. Joseph’s University Career Fair in Suffolk County where officers discussed requirements for joining DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement—candidates must be at least 21 years old but there is no maximum age limit.
Officers also attended the South Shore Waterfowlers Boat Show on Long Island to answer questions about conservation laws and recent regulatory changes.
Enforcement actions continued with investigations into illegal hunting activity at Wildwood State Park resulting in confiscation of illegally taken deer and issuance of multiple tickets.
Fishing compliance checks around Long Island Sound revealed numerous violations including possession of out-of-season blackfish (tautog), undersized catches, exceeding bag limits, failure to tag commercial striped bass catches properly, and fishing without licenses. Several individuals received tickets returnable to respective courts following these incidents.
Residents are encouraged to report environmental crimes or concerns by calling DEC’s dispatch line or emailing for non-urgent matters.
