Neither the Commission on Wildlife Conservation nor its executive director has fully implemented 1978 legislation merging the Game and Fish Commission, the Marine Conservation Commission, the Boat and Water Safety Commission, and the Marine Resources Council. Because of inadequate commission support, ineffective executive direction, and resolutely parochial attitudes of marine employees, the Bureau of Marine Resources (housing the two abolished marine agencies) has continued to operate with considerable autonomy. If consolidation is not accomplished, administrative resource duplication will persist and marine law enforcement will continue to be largely influenced by local pressure groups and priorities set informally by bureau employees without regard for statewide interests.
Bureau financial management has been flawed by inadequate inventory control, an unauthorized petty cash fund, untimely deposit of public funds, illegal retention of cash collections, and a lack of standard operating procedures.
The bureau has permitted sole operation of its aircraft by a student pilot and has not kept complete records concerning the aircraft’s utilization.
Bureau law enforcement, not effectively controlled by the Commission on Wildlife Conservation or its executives, was the target of serious allegations investigated by PEER. PEER has furnished supporting documentation to the Mississippi Ethics Commission and district attorneys for appropriate action, and will continue to review and monitor action relative to these allegations.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.