FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
Taos, New Mexico
TITLE 5300 - LAW ENFORCEMENT
Carson Supplement 5300-92-1
Effective December 9, 1991
POSTING NOTICE. This supplement is the first in a new numbering
seriescorresponding to the year in which material was amended.
Retain this transmittal as the first page of this document.
Page Code
Superseded
Sheet
5311--1, --23
12
Document Name
New
Pages
5310
26
Digest:
5311 - Updates Carson National Forest Law Enforcement Plan.
WILLIAM H. MOEHN
Acting Forest Supervisor
FSM 5300 - LAW ENFORCEMENT
CARSON SUPPLEMENT 5300-92-1
Effective 12/9/91
CHAPTER 5310 - PLANNING
5311 - MINIMUM LAW ENFORCEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STANDARDS
CARSON NATIONAL FOREST
LAW ENFORCEMENT PLAN
PREPARED BY:
/s/ Anthony Trujillo
Law Enforcement Office
12/9/91
Date
APPROVED BY:
/s/ Christina Gonzalez
Administrative Officer
12/9/91
Date
APPROVED BY:
/s/ Leonard A. Lindquist
Forest Supervisor
Date
12/9/91
CARSON NATIONAL FOREST
LAW ENFORCEMENT PLAN
1992
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
INTRODUCTION
II.
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
III. ACTION PLAN
IV
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A - Cooperative Agreements and Memorandums of
Understanding
APPENDIX B - Duties and Responsibilities of District Law
Enforcement Coordinator
APPENDIX C - Duties and Responsibilities of Full-Time Law
Enforcement Officer
APPENDIX D - Duties and Responsibilities of Forest Law
Enforcement
Coordinator
APPENDIX E - Level IV Law Enforcement Officers
APPENDIX F - Law Enforcement Training
I.
INTRODUCTION
A.
General
The Carson National Forest consists of approximately
1,491,000 acres and is located in the north and
north-central region of New Mexico. It lies in
portions of Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, and Taos
counties. The remaining lands in the four counties
are of mixed ownerships consisting of State, private,
Indian, and other Federal lands. The Forest has also
acquired a 100,000-acre tract of land in Vermejo Park
in Northern New Mexico. This tract is known as the
Valle Vidal and is administered by the Questa Ranger
District. The Forest provides a broad range of
resources and services to an increasing number of
people on a nearly year-round basis.
B.
Current Management Situation
1.
Canjilon Ranger District
The District has two developed recreation areas
which receive heavy use during the summer Canjilon Lakes and Echo Amphitheater. The
District also has two high use dispense
recreation areas: Canjilon Creek Campground and
Trout Lakes Campground. There have been the usual
problems associated with a large number of people
in close proximity at these areas. The Ghost
Ranch Visitor Center attracts over 100,000
persons per year; there have been major incidents
involving loss of life and serious bodily
harassment associated with this area. The general
area around Canjilon has been plagued with a
series of burglaries, arsons, and other violent
crimes. There have also been numerous less
serious crimes. The solution of these crimes by
State and County law enforcement officials has
been minimal. Vandalism of Forest signs and
fences is significant; this is attributed to the
land grant issues and resentment by individuals
in these areas towards Forest Service control of
lands in the area. The theft of wood products,
especially green pinyon pine, is a problem
throughout the District. These incidents have
indicated a need to establish a position for the
west-side Law Enforcement Officer.
2.
El Rito Ranger District
The District has only one developed recreation
site - the El Rito Campground. There have been
significant incidents of vandalism associated
with this site. The District has recently been
experiencing more problems with off-road vehicle
use in areas closed to such travel. The most
significant problem is the theft of wood
products, especially the theft of green pinyon
firewood from the lower elevations on the
District. This problem appears to be on the
increase due, at least in part, to the fact that
the adjacent Santa Fe National Forest has become
more restrictive in their regulations, thus,
increasing the numbers of visitors in our area
from Espanola, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos. Minor
problems are also being experienced with
unauthorized livestock use; vandalism to Forest
property, especially signs; littering; and
marijuana cultivation.
3.
Jicarilla Ranger District
The Jicarilla District is the most remote on the
Forest. Until recently, the District has
experienced few law enforcement problems due to
its isolation. However, more and more people,
especially hunters and wood haulers, are visiting
the District and problems are increasing. Law
Enforcement Officers and Archaeologists have seen
the results of looting of archaeological sites,
and the District has also experienced theft of
wild and free-roaming horses. A portion of the
District is closed to off-road vehicle use and
increased patrols are necessary to ensure
compliance with the order.
Problems involving illegal outfitting on the
District are somewhat more common now than
previously as a result of the new National
Outfitting and Guiding Permit Policy which
requires a permit of all outfitters and guides on
National Forest System lands. Illegal outfitting
results in loss of revenue to the Government and
can also result in a lack of protection of the
health and safety of the client.
4.
Camino Real Ranger District
The Camino Real District has the largest number of
recreation sites of all the Districts. There are
several developed and undeveloped sites within
minutes driving from Taos located along highways
US 64 and SR 3. During the summer months, these
areas receive heavy use from visitors and the
local population. These sites have received
serious damage in the past as a result of locals
using these areas for drinking and drug use. This
problem is improving due to increased Forest
Service presence and closer cooperation with State
and County authorities. Theft of private
property left unattended and harassment of Forest
users continue to be a problem in these areas.
The Santa Barbara campgrounds are also located on
the District. These campgrounds are used heavily
during the summer months, both as a destination
point and as an entry point into the Pecos
Wilderness area. These areas pose serious law
enforcement problems, theft of private property
being the most prevalent. Many people leave
their vehicles parked at the base of trail heads
located at Santa Barbara and Las Trampas, only to
return and find them vandalized. Equipment
belonging to logging contractors is occasionally
vandalized in the Forest areas between Penasco
and Truchas. Law enforcement by Rio Arriba
County in this area is minimal. There is only
one State Police Officer stationed in the area at
Penasco. Starting Memorial Day Holiday 1992, the
New Mexico State Police have signed a cooperative
agreement with the Carson National Forest and the
District will have additional law enforcement
coverage.
Much of the District has summer/winter travel
restrictions for both motorized and nonmotorized
users. ORV violations have been numerous in the
past and enforcement of current restrictions will
require major public education/law enforcement
efforts and, as funding allows, ORV closures will
be signed to adequately enforce the closure.
Other problems affecting the District are the
illegal cutting and sale of wood products;
however, the District is trying to make more
green wood available for the local people.
Increased littering on the District has also
become more of a problem.
5.
Tres Piedras Ranger District
The Tres Piedras District has few developed
recreation sites. The Hopewell Lake recreation
area and the Lagunitas campground are the two
primary developed areas. Thefts of private
property have not been a problem. The most
significant problems are the theft of wood
products and ORV violations. The District borders
Colorado, and many Colorado border residents come
into New Mexico for wood products. An area of
violation concentration is the theft of green
pinyon firewood from the low country. The Tres
Piedras District also borders the El Rito Ranger
District which has similar problems with the
theft of pinyon and juniper.
6.
Questa Ranger District
The Questa District receives considerable
recreational use throughout the year. This can
be attributed to:
-
The location of two major ski areas on the
District, Taos Ski Valley and Red River Ski
Area. (This also includes the Enchanted
Forest Cross-Country Ski Area.)
-
The central location of the town of Red
River, a recreational community offering the
public horseback riding, fishing, hunting,
hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, group
excursions, etc. The Forest surrounds this
community which is a favorite recreation spot
for thousands of people year-round.
-
The Wheeler Peak Wilderness area which draws
many
visitors each summer for hiking
and backpacking.
-
Several developed campgrounds open during the
summer months along SR 38 and other roads.
-
The Valle Vidal, a 100,000-acre tract of
Forest,offers outstanding hunting, fishing,
and other recreational opportunities for the
public.
The law enforcement problems being experienced as
a result of this high visitor impact on the
District are:
-
Some incidents of theft during the summer of
private property left unattended by Forest
visitors.
-
Violations of ORV area closures and
recreation site regulations.
-Outfitting and guiding violations.
Major problems are also being experienced with the
theft of wood products. Problems involving
illegal outfitting on this District have also
increased.
C
Population Impacts
Although the State's population is not considered to be
high, it has experienced moderate growth over the past
30 years which is expected to continue on into the
future as New Mexico shares in the population shift to
the Sun Belt. The same trend is true for the
population centers near the Forest. Northern New
Mexico is characterized by numerous small communities,
in many cases so close together they could be
considered a single town. The Forest is also located
near enough to the State's major population centers of
Albuquerque and Santa Fe that it is easily reached for
even day trips by residents of these cities.
Unfortunately, the per capita income in northern New
Mexico is among the lowest in the State and the
unemployment rate among the highest. These factors
generally are associated with increased incidence of
law breaking.
The Forest, especially in the Taos and Red River areas
experiences three definite tourist seasons; Memorial
Day Holiday; the traditional summer months of June,
July, and August; and the winter sports season,
generally running from Thanksgiving to near April 1.
The increases in problems with the law is related to
large increases in the numbers of people in the area
during these times.
D.
State and Local Law Enforcement
The distribution of State and local law enforcement
authorities throughout the Forest is good. Recognizing
that these authorities have their priorities and that
they do not have authority to enforce Federal
regulations, the support they provide is valuable.
Cooperative law enforcement agreements have been
entered into with Taos County, the New Mexico State
Police, and the New Mexico State Department of Game and
Fish. Assistance to Forest Service administrativesites
located in Taos is provided by the Town of Taos Police
Department.
Locations where State and local law enforcement authorities
are present are:
Taos
State Police
Taos County Sheriff
New Mexico Department of Game &
Fish
Taos Police Department
New Mexico State Forestry
Penasco
State Police
Taos County Sheriff
New Mexico Department of Game &
Fish
New Mexico State Forestry
Questa
State Police
Taos County Sheriff
New Mexico Department of Game &
Fish
Questa Police Department
New Mexico State Forestry
Tres Piedras
State Police
New Mexico Department of Game &
Fish
New Mexico State Forestry
El Rito
State Police
Red River
State Police
Town Marshall
Costilla
Taos County Sheriff
Cimarron
New Mexico Department of Game
&Fish
Ojo Caliente
State Police
Tierra Amarilla
Rio Arriba County
State Police
Chama
State Police
New Mexico Department of Game &
Fish
Farmington
State Police
New Mexico Department of Game &
Fish
In summary, State and local law enforcement coverage on the
Forest has improved as we continue our coordination efforts.
E.
Law Enforcement Officers for the Carson National Forest
are cross commissioned with New Mexico State Forestry.
F.
Other
There are no known areas of major criminal
activities ornarcotics traffickers on the Forest.
Potentially hazardous situations do exist. The
most hazardous of these is the opposition and
resentment directed at the Forest Service and its
employees by localresidents over Spanish land
grant issues and claims. This issue has along
history in the northern New Mexico area and
emotions runhigh among local residents wanting the
return of these lands. Acts of violence, threats
of violence, and acts of vandalism have occurred
to Forest Service property and employees. We
fully expect that this situation will continue.
A second hazardous situation concerns
confrontations with
belligerent groups
of individuals. These situations usually
occur at night and drinking is involved; drug use
may be
involved. Firearms can
normally be expected to be in close
proximity.
Marijuana cultivation on the Forest appears to be
decreasing. Although no booby traps have been
encountered to date, nor any acts of violence
towards Federal Officers, the potential for such
situations does exist.
II
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
National Forests nation-wide are experiencing a dramatic
increase in crime. Resource damage and loss of revenue to
the Government are facts of life. Increased use and
increased values of natural resources, together with
increased public awareness of resource management, makes it
mandatory that the Forest Service provide for adequate
protection of the resource and Forest visitors. The first
step in providing this protection is to identify the
problem.
In the development of the Carson National Forest Plan, many
people expressed the need to increase law enforcement.
Their concerns were:
-
Harassment, vandalism, and thefts occurring at some
campgrounds and trail heads.
-
Cultural and historic sites are being vandalized.
-
Illegal removal of standing dead ponderosa pine along
roads and in riparian areas is reducing the habitat for
snag-dependent wildlife.
-
Unauthorized livestock use reduces grazing capacity.
-
Illegal removal of green pinyon is causing
over-harvesting in some areas.
-
Many cases of occupancy trespass are discovered as
lands inside the National Forest are surveyed.
-
Off-road vehicles using closed roads and trails cause
soil loss, increase maintenance costs, and harass
wildlife.
-
Illegal removal of other Forest products; i.e.,
latillas, vigas, wildlings, etc.
A.
Major Problem Areas
1.
Theft of Timber Products. Theft of timber
products is a major problem and one of the most
difficult to enforce. The Carson encompasses a
large area interspersed with numerous roads.
Coupled with this is the remoteness of many areas
of the Forest. National Forest System lands in
the lower elevations are also intermingled with
private, State, and BLM lands. These factors,
alongwith the relatively small number of law
enforcement personnel available, result in
infrequent patrols to many parts of the Forest.
The primary loss is sawtimberand firewood,
especially green pinyon.
2.
Recreation. Destruction and vandalism of
recreation facilities is a
problem which seems
to persist from year to year. Other illegal acts
closely associated with recreational activities
are vandalism to signs, cutting of green trees,
building fires in nonpermitted areas, etc. The
Forest also experiences a high incidence of both
violent and nonviolent crimes against people and
their property, particularly by on-Forest visitors
who utilize campgrounds and trail head areas.
Failure to pay campground fees causes loss of
revenue to the Government and angers paying
guests. With increases in campground fees, more
and more dollars are being collected. This
increases the likelihood of compliance officers
being robbed and possibly injured. It also
increases the possibility of fee boxes being
broken into.
Obtaining compliance with campground rules and
dispersed area camping regulations is also of
concern. Increased numbers of visitors resulting
in crowding in some areas and the general
breakdown in respect for law and order results
inconfrontations. Not only is there concern for
the safety of the Forest Officer, there must be,
and is, concern for the health and safety of the
ForestVisitor.
4
ORV Travel Management Road Closures. This problem
has several aspects. First, is a lack of
understanding of and support by the public for the
reasons behind the various travel restrictions.
Second, is the lack of physical closure
facilities; i.e., gates, barricades,etc. Third,
is less than adequate enforcement of regulations.
Much of the ORV closure violations occurduring the
fall hunting seasons. Enforcement puts the Forest
Officer in a hazardous and unpredictable situation
as the hunters are armed, many times are
intoxicated and are trying to maintain a "macho"
image before their companion
5.
Assaults Against Federal Officers. These stem
mainlyout of the land grant issues as discussed in
I., F.,(above), but they can also be attributed to
certain elements in the area who resent any kind
of law enforcement and who will resort to threats
and actual violence to discourage law enforcement.
There have been numerous incidents of threats and
assaults against law enforcement authorities of
all kinds in the northern New Mexico area.
6
Illegal Outfitters. Problems involving illegal
outfitting on the Forest are somewhat more common
now than previously as a result of the new
national outfitting and guiding permit policy
which requires a permit of all guides and
outfitters on National Forest System lands.
Illegal outfitting results in loss of revenue to
the Government and can also result in a lack of
protection of the health and safety of the client.
Illegal outfitters can also be a source of
conflict between themselves and permitted
outfitters and/or the general public, resulting in
potentially dangerous confrontations.
7.
Archaeological Violations. Violations have been
experienced to date as the Carson is rich in
cultural/historical values. The recent settlement
agreement with the State of New Mexico demands
that the Forest Service place increased emphasis
on this resource.
8.
Littering. Problems involving littering, trash,
etc., on the Forest are somewhat more common now
than previously.
III. ACTION PLAN
The intent of this Plan is to examine alternative means of
dealing with the identified problems. Law enforcement on
the Carson will be guided by two basic precepts:
First, law enforcement shall be a public service. All
activities undertaken shall have as a final objective the
interests of the public in general and any individual users
affected by our activities.
Second, law enforcement shall be fully integrated with our
usual management activities to the maximum extent feasible.
It should serve as a support function to regular forest
management rather than an entity unto itself.
It is anticipated that many problems will arise requiring
responses which are not addressed herein. We, therefor,
take the posture that our selection and training of law
enforcement officers is such that when these problems do
arise, they will be handled in such a manner to preclude the
need of greater detail in this Plan.
A.
Prevention
Prevention of violation of laws and regulations is of
first priority. The Forest will emphasize:
---
Care to ensure that notices and signs are properly
posted in highly visible locations and that they
properly communicate the desired message.
---
Use of the Forest Public Affairs Officer and
District Ranger to get information to newspapers,
radios, television stations, etc., to inform and
make the public aware of National Forest
regulations.
Use of news releases on enforcement action and final
disposition of criminal and civil cases.
---
Use of the reward system to collect information on
more serious crimes and make the public aware of
the problem.
--- Use of Good Host Program by displaying a courteous
and helpful attitude.
--- On-the-ground contacts to provide the public with
an understanding of restrictions and the reasons why
they are important.
--- Problem areas prone to vandalism and thefts will
be conspicuously signed warning Forest visitors of the
vandalism/theft problems and where to report these
incidents.
--- Employees making law enforcement contacts shall
meet all training requirements, be attired in the
Forest Service uniform, and carry proper
identification.
--- Continued participation with cooperating agencies
under the Cooperative Law Enforcement Program.
B.
Enforcement
The following procedures will be observed to meet our
responsibilities for the protection of Forest visitors,
resource, and property:
1.
Consistent and uniform action will be applied to
violations of Federal laws and regulations. All
investigative and enforcement action will be
conducted in a professional and courteous manner.
Regulations and Supervisor's Orders will be
enforced through a written warning, or a violation
notice, dependent upon certain discretionary
factors. Verbal warnings may be used prior to the
time a violation occurs to prevent an unlawful
activity.
If the Forest Officer determines the violations
occurred because of inadvertence, lack of
understanding, or misinformation, the person may
be given a warning notice.
Discretion may not be used when:
a)
Violation of 36 CFR 261 prohibitions result
in loss or damage to property or resources in
excess of $100.
b)
Acts are clearly malicious, willful, or
deliberate.
c)
The safety or rights of other users or the
Forest Officer are in jeopardy.
2.
Violations of any law or regulation must be
reported on either an "Incident Report" (FS
5300-1, Page 2) or a "Violation Notice" (FS
5300-4). Forest Officers issuing Warning Notices
or Violation Notices must have successfully
completed at least Level II training and carry the
necessary identification card.
3.
Any threats to Forest employees will be reported
through channels immediately. The Forest
Supervisor will be kept personally informed on
threats to Forest employees or their families by
the Forest Law Enforcement Coordinator, Special
Agent, and District Rangers.
4.
Cases involving suspected or alleged employee
misconduct are to be reported to the Forest Law
Enforcement Coordinator who will coordinate with
the Regional Law Enforcement Staff and Personnel
units for action.
C.
5.
Violations of State laws where no Federal law or
regulation has been violated will be promptly
referred to the appropriate civil authority having
jurisdiction.
6.
Arrests will be made only by Special Agents and
Level IV officers who are authorized full range
authority.
7.
Forest Officers on night and weekend patrols and
other law enforcement activities will be in radio
contact with other Forest Officers, or with State
or local law enforcement officers. Employees who
are on planned night patrols or known potentially
dangerous situation will work in pairs.
8.
In the event marijuana plants or greenhouses, or
other suspected illegal drug activities are
encountered, employees are directed to back away
and immediately notify the Zone Special Agent or
Forest Law Enforcement Coordinator.
9.
All employees will assist in the Law Enforcement
Program by being observant of violations of rules
and regulations. If an employee cannot take
enforcement action, then observations will be
reported to the proper Forest Service Officer or
civil authority.
Cooperation
The enforcement of Federal laws and regulations is the
responsibility of the Forest Service. However, State
and local law enforcement agencies have the same
authorities and responsibilities on National Forest
System lands as they do elsewhere in their respective
jurisdictions. The nature of the mission of the Forest
Service dictates that we work closely with other
Federal and State agencies having similar goals. The
Forest shall cooperate to the fullest extent possible
with the various Federal, State, County and local
agencies within or adjacent to the Forest. A list of
cooperative agreements and memorandums of understanding
currently in effect with other agencies is shown in
Appendix A.
D.
Staffing and Training
The Law Enforcement Organization is comprised of all
field-going personnel on the Forest. All employees
will be expected to deal with Law Enforcement
situations based on their level of training and
experience. Personnel with minimal or no training are
only expected to report violations.
Law Enforcement Coordinator. The Forest has
designated the Administrative Officer as Law
Enforcement Coordinator to provide coordination
between Districts and with the Zone and Regional
Special Agents. The coordinator will plan and
develop the Forest law enforcement program, manage
the Cooperative Agreements, and maintain the
Violation Notice System and LEMARS. The
coordinator will also ensure the terms of this law
enforcement action plan are met. The Forest Law
Enforcement Coordinator will have a minimum of
Level II.
Ranger Districts. Each District shall have an
adequate number of uniformed Level II trained
officers to ensure that violations are properly
handled and reported. The District Ranger shall
designate one member of his/her staff as District
Law Enforcement Coordinator. The employee chosen
for this position shall have a minimum of Level II
training. The District Law Enforcement
Coordinator's duties and responsibilities are
shown in Appendix B.
Forest Level IV Officers. Level IV training
provides Forest Officers with the skills necessary
to perform full range law enforcement duties.
Level IV trained officers should be the first
point of contact when an employee encounters a
situation he/she is unable to handle. Level IV
trained officers on the Forest are shown in
Appendix E.
Zone Special Agent. A full-time Special Agent
under the direction of the Regional Special Agent
is stationed at Taos. This individual is
responsible for conducting investigations and
carrying out enforcement actions of the most
serious nature on the Carson and Santa Fe National
Forests. The Agent is also expected to assist the
Forest Law Enforcement Officers, whenever
requested.
E.
Equipment
Forest Service Officers assigned law enforcement duties
will wear the official Forest Service field uniform
with badge and will carry the AD-53 identification card
or full range credentials. Officers granted full range
authority will be equipped as per FSM 5380. Forest
Officers engaged in law enforcement activities should
be in marked Forest Service vehicles. Radios will be
installed and in working condition in all vehicles used
in law enforcement work in the event a Forest Officer
needs assistance.
F.
Contingency Plan
1.
When existing or potential enforcement problems
exceed the capabilities of the District and Forest
organizations such as unusual, sensitive, or
emergency situations involving large group
management, confrontations with hostile groups
repossession of illegally held facilities, etc.,
the Coordinator will request guidance and
assistance from the Zone Special Agent in
establishing and coordinating liaison with and
assistance from other agencies. If assistance
from other Forests or Regions is desired and
practical, the Zone Special Agent or Forest Law
Enforcement Coordinator will make a request
through the Regional Special Agent for such
assistance. See also FSM 1534.61.
2.
Overall reaction to unscheduled needs by special
agents or law enforcement officers will generally
be prioritized as follows:
(a)
Assaults and threats to Forest Officers.
(b) Investigations of felony matters wherein
evidence and property need to be protected or
recovered immediately.
(c) Responding to felony cases where no urgency
exists.
(d)
Providing training needs.
(e)
matters.
Providing assistance in petty offense
(f) Providing assistance in situations where
administrative solutions are recommended or
likely.
(g)
Providing assistance during Forest planning;
i.e., Supervisor's Orders, land management
planning procedures, development of law
enforcement action plans, etc.
IV.
APPENDICES
A.
Cooperative Agreements and Memorandums of
Understanding.
B.
Duties and Responsibilities of District Law Enforcement
Coordinator.
C.
Duties and Responsibilities of Full Time Law
Enforcement
Officer.
D.
Duties and Responsibilities of Forest Law Enforcement
Coordinator.
E.
Level IV Law Enforcement Officers.
F.
Law Enforcement Training.
APPENDIX A
Cooperative Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding
Cooperative Agreement
-
Taos County Sheriff
Cooperative Agreement
-
New Mexico State Police
Cooperative Agreement
Game & Fish
-
New Mexico Department of
Memorandum of UnderstandingAdministration
Drug Enforcement
Memorandum of Understanding-
Marshal's Service
Agreements between the Office of the Inspector General and
the Forest Service.
APPENDIX B
Duties and Responsibilities of District Law Enforcement
Coordinator
District L.E. Coordinators are responsible for assisting and
advising District staff on law enforcement and investigative
matters within their respective functions. Assistance will
include giving advice and guidance to staff on violation
procedures and reporting. The Coordinator should be thoroughly
familiar with the 5300 section of the Manual in carrying out
his/her duties. As an advisor, he/she must also maintain a good
working knowledge of rules and regulations and keep current on
changes in the Directive System.
This person is also responsible for coordinating the Law
Enforcement Management Reporting System (LEMARS) on the District.
The District L.E. Coordinator verifies that all reporting
documents are complete and factual prior to submission to Central
Violations Bureau and the Forest Supervisor's Office and reviews
each document for accuracy prior to submission either to the
Central Violations Bureau (Violation Notices) or the Forest
Supervisor's Office (ADP copies of Violation Notices and Incident
Reports).
The Coordinator is also responsible for investigating routine
petty offense/misdemeanor violations. Investigations may include
interviewing witnesses, obtaining statements, gathering and
securing evidence.
The Coordinator reviews the probable cause statements prepared by
officers on each notice of violation. A violation report will be
used by the issuing officer to document the facts of the
violation. This will assist the coordinator in the preparation
of a report if needed in court at a future date.
As needed, the coordinator will secure additional assistance for
investigation or advice from the Full Time LEOs or Zone Special
Agent. The coordinator may call at any time for advice or
guidance. All felony violations should be promptly reported to
the Zone Special Agent for investigation. If the Agent is
unavailable, the report is to be made to the Forest Law
Enforcement Coordinator for referral and assistance from the
Regional Law Enforcement Staff.
The District Coordinator maintains communications with the U.S.
Magistrate's Office. Coordinators may call the Magistrate
Clerk's Office to determine the status of a case, disposition of
a case or provide information to the Magistrate. Coordinators
will consult with the Zone Agent on pending cases to determine if
cases should be continued or dismissed. Coordinators may also
assist in serving summons to defendants on criminal cases.
Coordinators should also be familiar with court proceedings and
should plan to attend arraignments and hearings for further
training.
The District Coordinator provides information on a quarterly
basis or as needed to the Public Information office regarding
final disposition of cases. The Master File index will readily
provide this information for publicizing enforcement action.
Coordinates and cooperates with other Ranger Districts on law
enforcement matters. This includes exchanging information on
known or suspected violations. They may also assist other
Districts to expedite the gathering of information or delivering
notices of violation.
APPENDIX C
Duties and Responsibilities of Full-Time Law Enforcement Officer
The Forest LEO must maintain a good host attitude and educate the
public of the laws and regulations governing occupancy and use of
the National Forest. He/she acts upon customer needs through
positive interaction. Provides competent, complete advice, and
guidance. Is open to suggestions. Completes assignments
appropriate to standards and ethics of the subject matter.
The Forest LEO's are responsible for keeping the Forest Law
Enforcement Coordinator informed on all law enforcement matters
on a timely basis.
LEO's assist the Zone Special Agent as requested.
The two full time LEO's collaborate on the preparation and/or
revision of the Forest Law Enforcement Plan.
It is the responsibility of the Forest LEO's to conduct Level II
training for Forest employees.
Forest LEO's maintain the Violation Notice System and LEMARS
Program.
These employees ensure that notices and signs are properly posted
in highly visible locations.
The Forest LEO's participate with cooperating agencies to carry
out the Law Enforcement Program.
APPENDIX D
Duties and Responsibilities of the Forest Law Enforcement
Coordinator
The Forest Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Carson National
Forest is the Administrative Officer. The responsibilities
encompass the following:
Plan and develop the Forest Law Enforcement Program.
Provide advice and counsel to the Forest Supervisor and the
Carson National Forest employees on all matters related to
law enforcement.
Act as the liaison for the Forest with both the Zone and
Regional Special
Agents.
Manage the Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreements.
Review and approval of the Forest Law Enforcement Plan.
Coordinate the various requests for law enforcement
assistance for the entire Forest.
Ensure that current Forest Compliance Officers maintain
their skills in all aspects of law enforcement.
Conduct Level IV panels when individuals request this next
higher level of training and certification.
Ensure that the terms of the current Forest Law Enforcement
Plan are met.
Through the full time LEOs, maintain the Violation Notice
System and LEMARS Program.
APPENDIX E
Level IV Law Enforcement Officers
Anthony Trujillo (Full Time)
-
Robert Garcia (Full Time)
Jicarilla
El Rito, Canjilon, and
-
Supervisor's Office
Charles Murray (Collateral)-
El Rito Ranger District
Phil Tafoya (Collateral)
Questa Ranger District
-
APPENDIX F
Law Enforcement Training
The Carson National Forest puts on a 40-hour Law Enforcement
Training course every year if 12 or more candidates are
recommended by the Districts. Employees whose duties include
occasional involvement in enforcement activities, including
issuance of violation notices, are candidates for this course.
The objective of this training is to provide employees with the
knowledge and skills to recognize and take appropriate action on
petty offense violations of Federal laws and regulations.
In addition, refresher courses are also provided upon request.