Attitudes of California Fish and Wildlife Officers Towards the Criminal Justice System

• In Event: Green Criminology II: Attitudes, Enforcement and Governance

Abstract

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife CDFW manages and protects the state’s wildlife (including fauna, flora and funga) and its ecosystems that consist of 159,000 square miles of area, 1,100+ miles coastline, 30,000+ miles of rivers, native fish and wildlife species, native plant species, and threatened or endangered species. CDWF Officers are tasked primarily with the enforcement of the California Fish & Game code, although in the course of their duties, they may have to enforce other CA laws. CDFW officers collect evidence on the cases they work on and can recommend that prosecutors file charges. Examining law enforcement attitudes helps identify potential biases, prejudices, or systemic issues that may impact their interactions with individuals within the criminal justice system, which may include frustrations with perceived leniency in courts, concerns about recidivism and revolving door, feelings of powerlessness in the system.

Author

• Kierston Viramontes, California State University, San Bernardino