State law gives conservation officers authority to enforce game laws on private lands once probable cause has been established. PEER’s analysis of a representative sample of citations revealed no patterns to support allegations of territorialism in game law enforcement. However, the department’s citation recordkeeping procedures do not assure that all fine monies due the department are remitted accurately and in a timely manner. PEER reported these same weaknesses in 1982.
PEER also concluded that a Conservation Officer Supervisor’s enforcement of trespassing laws in Montgomery County in 1986 was legal and not an act of “territorialism.”
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.