The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement reported a high volume of enforcement activity in the first half of 2025. Officers responded to more than 18,934 complaints and issued or made 9,440 tickets or arrests for violations such as deer poaching, illegal dumping, mining violations, illegal pet trade activities, and excessive emissions. In comparison, throughout 2024 the division handled over 30,109 complaints resulting in 15,755 tickets or arrests.
“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,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “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.”
A significant case concluded in July when Tyler D. Jennings of Attica pleaded guilty to multiple deer poaching incidents across Genesee and Wyoming counties after a nearly two-year investigation by ECOs. The investigation began with a report in September 2023 about a headless deer found in Bethany. Officers linked Jennings to the illegal take of at least 15 antlered deer dating back to 2019 through search warrants and evidence analysis. He was arrested in February 2025 on several misdemeanor charges related to illegal hunting practices and felony criminal mischief counts. Jennings paid $6,000 in fines plus $750 in court surcharges; his hunting privileges were revoked for five years.
DEC credited cooperation from local law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police (NYSP), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Village of Attica Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office as well as assistance from members of the public.
Other recent enforcement actions included an incident on August 16 where an individual was fined $3,000 for illegally dumping construction debris along I-495 in Brookhaven Township. The subject was ordered to properly dispose of all waste at an approved facility.
On September 8 near Staten Island (Richmond County), DEC officers were first responders to a sailboat fire that left two crew members needing rescue but resulted in no serious injuries; federal authorities continue investigating.
Officers also participated in recruitment events at SUNY Albany and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), discussing career opportunities with students interested in law enforcement roles focused on environmental protection.
Wildlife response efforts included freeing a deer entangled in netting on private property in Islip on September 16.
Fishing compliance checks led officers across Manhattan and Nassau County to issue numerous tickets for illegal sales or possession of out-of-season or undersized fish species such as tautog and oyster toadfish. At Jones Beach State Park on September 14th they discovered thousands of illegally caught baitfish alongside other protected species; three individuals lacked proper marine registration documents.
Governor Kathy Hochul hosted a Public Safety Appreciation Reception recognizing state law enforcement contributions—including those protecting natural resources—attended by DEC leadership staff.
