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The Law Enforcement Section of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division has been awarded full law enforcement accreditation from the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (NAWLEA).
WFF’s Law Enforcement Section was recognized for the accomplishment at the 79th Annual Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) awards banquet in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 28, 2025. After Florida, Alabama’s Conservation Department is the second state agency in the U.S. to receive accreditation from the NAWLEA.
“I am extremely proud of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Law Enforcement Section for meeting the high standards required to receive this national recognition,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Our officers and staff are dedicated to serving the public and advancing the profession. This accreditation highlights their commitment to upholding the highest standards in conservation law enforcement.”
Receiving accreditation from NAWLEA was the culmination of three years of focused preparation and intensive policy development as well as a rigorous assessment of the Section throughout 2025. The assessment included interviews with officers, observations of agency issued equipment, and an extensive review of agency operations, policies, and procedures.
“By meeting the program’s 70 professional standards, our Law Enforcement Section has demonstrated its commitment to excellence in wildlife conservation and public safety,” said Colonel Michael Weathers, WFF Law Enforcement Section Chief. “This accreditation serves as a testament to our dedication to transparency, professionalism and the highest standards of service. Our commitment to the mission and goals of NAWLEA reflects our ongoing dedication to the communities and natural resources we are honored to serve.”
The mission of WFF’s Law Enforcement Section is to protect Alabama’s natural resources and people through proactive and responsive law enforcement. The Section also provides the public with important first responder services. NAWLEA develops and establishes standards for professionalism and effectiveness in natural resources law enforcement.
WFF’s Law Enforcement Section goals align with those of NAWLEA, which include the following:
ADCNR’s new WFF Director, Chris Lewis, formerly served as an Assistant Chief of WFF’s Law Enforcement Section before becoming Director of Connecticut’s Environmental Conservation Police Division. He recently returned to Alabama to continue his career with ADCNR. During his time in Connecticut, he followed the work of WFF’s Law Enforcement Section.
“Since 1907, Alabama has been a leader in the field of conservation law enforcement,” Director Lewis said. “I used Alabama’s program as an example for my colleagues in Connecticut to follow. This achievement further enhances the agency's capabilities and contributes to the overall improvement of the profession. It’s a well-deserved honor for our officers.”
About NAWLEA
The North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation program is dedicated to advancing the natural resources law enforcement profession. NAWLEA establishes and maintains professional standards, providing a formal mechanism for agencies to be systematically and objectively evaluated. The program aims to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and professionalism of law enforcement agencies involved in the protection and conservation of natural resources. Learn more about NAWLEA at www.nawlea.org.
ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.