New Conservation Officers Go To School

Ten candidates have begun Conservation Officer Academy XII at Camp Ripley. Candidates will learn about natural resource laws and how to enforce them in this initial 12-week training program put on by the Minnesota DNR. The prospective C-O's will learn how to use a laptop, investigate complaints, collect evidence, interview suspects, and present evidence in court. After graduation, recruits will spend another 16-weeks in the field. Captain Mark Johanson said the training is both physically and mentally challenging to make sure the recruits are ready to join the other 200 Minnesota Conservation Officers on the job.