04-05-2006, 02:50 PM
[#505000]I gotta back PBH on this one. The DWR are fully qualified and certified law enforcement officials. When we get sworn in as cops we (all cops) agree to enforce all laws. For them just to check licenses and ignore a drug problem would be ludicrous. Frankly if you are speeding a DWR guy could (most likely won't) stop and issue a speeding ticket. [/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]If you fish Salem pond at night plan on Salem City PD stopping to check your license. I know for a fact they do do it, and can do it. During the walleye spawn in Utah Lake when the tributaries are closed, and I was assigned to the road I would patrol those tributaries which run through my city, during the night shift. Never caught anyone actually fishing them but I know for a fact a few of the gentlemen I stopped to talk to had been planning on it (had all the gear in the vehicle, just hadn't wet a line yet). After chatting with them and reminding them about the law they all assured me they were just there looking and then they would quickly pack it up and leave. [/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]What it all comes down to is a cop is a cop. My focus is my city and what goes on in it; from the homicide to the parking ticket to everything in between. Highway Patrol's focus is on accidents, traffic enforcement, and anything to do with a state road (including the transport of drugs) that doesn't mean they can't come into my city and make a domestic violence arrest if they need to. DWR's focus is making sure people don't abuse the natural resources the state has and making sure those resources are properly managed. On top of all that if any one of us (all cops) runs into a criminal violation we'll take some form of action. If I catch someone poaching deer in city limits you better believe I will take action, even though I'm not DWR. If I'm out on my time fishing and I have thought to bring my work credentials (badge and gun) I am more then happy to issue a not so friendly (very friendly if I forgot my credentials) warning to those I see who haven't bothered to read their proclamation. [/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]I just have to wonder if those of you (not pointing fingers at any one individual because I'm sure a few feel the DWR had no business enforcing drug laws) who are upset at the DWR in this post would be as upset if those guys got high as a kite and killed somebody while driving back down Provo Canyon. And for those who are wondering, yes you can get impaired to the point you can't drive safely from the wacky tabacky![/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]*climbs down off the soap box*[/#505000]
[signature]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]If you fish Salem pond at night plan on Salem City PD stopping to check your license. I know for a fact they do do it, and can do it. During the walleye spawn in Utah Lake when the tributaries are closed, and I was assigned to the road I would patrol those tributaries which run through my city, during the night shift. Never caught anyone actually fishing them but I know for a fact a few of the gentlemen I stopped to talk to had been planning on it (had all the gear in the vehicle, just hadn't wet a line yet). After chatting with them and reminding them about the law they all assured me they were just there looking and then they would quickly pack it up and leave. [/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]What it all comes down to is a cop is a cop. My focus is my city and what goes on in it; from the homicide to the parking ticket to everything in between. Highway Patrol's focus is on accidents, traffic enforcement, and anything to do with a state road (including the transport of drugs) that doesn't mean they can't come into my city and make a domestic violence arrest if they need to. DWR's focus is making sure people don't abuse the natural resources the state has and making sure those resources are properly managed. On top of all that if any one of us (all cops) runs into a criminal violation we'll take some form of action. If I catch someone poaching deer in city limits you better believe I will take action, even though I'm not DWR. If I'm out on my time fishing and I have thought to bring my work credentials (badge and gun) I am more then happy to issue a not so friendly (very friendly if I forgot my credentials) warning to those I see who haven't bothered to read their proclamation. [/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]I just have to wonder if those of you (not pointing fingers at any one individual because I'm sure a few feel the DWR had no business enforcing drug laws) who are upset at the DWR in this post would be as upset if those guys got high as a kite and killed somebody while driving back down Provo Canyon. And for those who are wondering, yes you can get impaired to the point you can't drive safely from the wacky tabacky![/#505000]
[#505000][/#505000]
[#505000]*climbs down off the soap box*[/#505000]
[signature]