A cry for help...

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_767059.html#ixzz1dhaOqMh9



GETTYSBURG -- David Grove, a wildlife conservation officer in Adams County, was gunned down a year ago, after making a stop for suspected deer poaching.

The 31-year-old officer had seen spotlighting, heard gunshots in Freedom Township about 10 p.m. and pulled over two men in a pickup truck on Schriver Road.

Within minutes, the young lawman lay dead, shot multiple times during a "ferocious exchange of gunfire." Christopher Lynn Johnson, 27, was charged with Grove's murder and could face the death penalty.

Grove has been remembered as a finely trained officer. The Pennsylvania Game Commission's initial review did not find any major deficiencies in training, equipment, policy or actions by Grove.

The job that mixes guns, back roads, outlaws, darkness, desperation, often alcohol and authority, and those close to it say it's a miracle that for nearly 100 years, from 1915 to Nov. 11, 2010, no officer had been killed in the line of duty.

Grove's brethren believe it will happen again.

'Significant changes'

The commission trains and employs 100 WCOs, and hundreds of others in roles charged with protecting the commonwealth's wild resources.

In the year since Grove's death, what has the commission done to the make the job safer or more productive for its wildlife officers?

What policies have been changed? Are being implemented? Still being contemplated?

The commission's Use of Force Incident Review Committee has put its administrative investigation on hold until the criminal work and prosecution is complete.

"No significant changes have been implemented other than focusing preplanned, in-service training on some skill areas, such as vehicle stops," said Rich Palmer, director of the commission's Bureau of Wildlife Protection.

Since Grove's death, the commission has been training its officers in vehicle stop procedures and techniques.

"It was excellent training. I've got to hand it to the agency," said WCO Frank Dooley of Wayne County, who conducted the training. "They saw the need for this in the wake of the Grove tragedy."

For security reasons, officials are hesitant to discuss specifics of the training, other than that officers will be better at identifying higher-risk suspects.

Dooley, with 34 years as a conservation officer, is president of the Conservation Police Officers Lodge 114 of the Fraternal Order of Police. He represents full-time officers of the state Game and Fish & Boat commissions, doing arbitrations and grievances.

Projecting authority

In another move, since Grove's death, officers' vehicles are being labeled with "Law enforcement" decals to make them look more official and to change the perception that wildlife conservation officers are not law enforcement.

"Our image needs to change, and I'm not sure we've done enough," Dooley said. "After the (Grove) funeral, some of the management said, 'We're seeing conservation officers from all over the country and their vehicles are highly marked. That's the way it should be.' It's going to take about a year to get all of them."

There was also a need to distinguish law officers from other commission employees -- all of them driving the same types of vehicles.

"The vehicle marking upgrades were not in response to the Grove incident -- rather, prior planned general upgrades," Palmer said.

Officers in the field dispute that. The union had sought the lettering for some time.

"That was a tough fight for us," Dooley said of getting the decals. "We're in obscurity. What we should be doing is projecting who we are and that we are the conservation police. A lot of times, people will walk up to us and say, 'Why do you guys carry a gun?' "

Dooley would like to see the job title changed to conservation police officer.

"There is an image problem there that needs to be resolved. We need to change the culture and that includes from within," he said.

After his arrest for Grove's shooting, Johnson was asked whether he knew that he'd shot a police officer. He replied, "No, I thought it was a game warden."

Spreading officers thin

"We may stop someone for hunting without fluorescent orange, which is a minor violation. Most officers would give a warning for that," Dooley explained. "But this individual is a convicted felon who cannot have guns and he still wants to go out hunting, and he sees us coming and something serious may happen, like what happened in the case of Johnson. He knew that if he got caught with a gun, he was probably going back to jail again. Those are the kinds of things that we run into.

"The people who are out poaching deer at night and going around shooting are generally the same people that the state police deal with kicking doors in in hunting cabins and burglarizing places. In many cases, they are under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. And we're dealing with these people."

The union asked for a policy change because "full-time officers are riding alone all of the time," Dooley said. "We need more full-time conservation officers in Pennsylvania." The well-trained Grove was alone when he stopped Johnson on that fateful night last Nov. 11.

Twenty-six districts are without officers now, and more will leave because of retirement or promotion. Resupplying with one graduating class from the officers academy each year won't keep up with the shortage.

Early this year, Kevin Anderson of Perry County graduated from the academy and took Grove's post in southern Adams County. Darren David patrols northern Adams.

Districts recently underwent redistricting, which spread some officers out even more. Carbon County went from two full-time officers to one officer and doubled his patrol district. In Clinton County, that officer went from 400 to 800 square miles.

Communication is key in the field. Officers would like to have portable radios that allow them to maintain contact with either the commission's regional office or local county dispatch when they are out of the vehicle. Some dispatches from commission regional offices do not operate overnight.

"All depends on where you are," Dooley said. "Upstate they still have good contact with local dispatchers. Many parts they don't have that luxury and some counties don't want their officers on (the radio)." Dooley said the FOP has requested the radios and they may be coming soon.

Grove was able to contact dispatch after the poaching stop. Backup arrived in two minutes. Too late.

Equipment gap

WCOs have found themselves outgunned. Officers have asked for tactical patrol rifles (M-16s) and were denied by regional directors.

"Right after (Dave Grove's death) two of our officers were shot at by a convicted felon up in a treehouse who knew he was going to get arrested, plus he was on medication and shooting at our officers," Dooley said. "Two hundred five yards. What were they going to return fire with? They were issued shotguns, virtually worthless after 50 yards. We petitioned and (the commission) said it would be too costly to do that." The high-caliber, long-range rifles can also be used to dispatch wounded animals.

Officers in Pennsylvania want to be armed similarly to their counterparts in other states.

"You are going to be hard-pressed to find a conservation officer in the country who isn't issued a patrol rifle by their agency," Dooley said.

Officers would also like secondary intermediate weapons like a baton or Taser.

The commission is said to be continuing to review the use of car cameras. Grove had a dash camera in his vehicle. Body cameras are also considered.

The commission said work on a computer-aided dispatch system (enabling an officer to access vehicle information) began more than two years ago and is being implemented now.

"I'm not sure how that is going to improve officer safety," Dooley said.

Taking care of officers

WCOs want the same "heart and lung" benefit afforded to other law enforcement. Officers shot and surviving would receive full pay while recovering, as opposed to getting workmen's compensation. The commission is against it.

"They felt it's an open area for abuse," Dooley said. "But the PGC is at the top of the state in unused sick leave. It would be essential to this agency and its officers."

The commission opposed legislation to give its officers Vehicle Code 75 authority for summary offenses.

"They don't want (a WCO) pulling a guy over and giving him a ticket. That's not what officers want to do," Dooley said. "It would be a fantastic tool to enforce poaching in the state. If we could use that traffic violation authority as probable cause, to stop someone with a broken tail-light or burned-out license, those could be our poachers. That's a whole different story."

The commission has some work to do on officer compensation.

"As for pay scale, we are lower than most wildlife agencies in the Eastern corridor," Dooley said, "in states like New Jersey, New York." In Pennsylvania, cadets receive a first-year salary of $29,000 while at the academy. After graduation and during a probationary first-year in the field, they reach $38,200.

As for retirement, Executive Director Carl Roe has submitted a written support to the Senate for a package that entails 20 years' service, 50 years of age at retirement.

"As we approach the anniversary of WCO David Grove's murder, we are reminded that the wildlife protection activities of our conservation officers are not without risk and are often dangerous," Roe said. "We continuously look for ways to reduce those risks. Some methods are to reinforce the excellent training they already receive, and others are long-term investments in systems that will enhance officer security. We will never eliminate all the risks of doing law enforcement."

"You got to know the feeling of stopping someone who's just committed some kind of violation at 2 a.m. in the morning and there's three guys in a pickup truck," Dooley said. "You're alone and you know your backup is probably 30 miles away and you've got to have some tact. You've got to be able to handle these people. Not everyone can do it. Officer safety is paramount with us."



Read more: Adams County wildlife officer's slaying spurs small changes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_767059.html#ixzz1dqXbWYZ7

"As for retirement, Executive Director Carl Roe has submitted a written support to the Senate for a package that entails 20 years' service, 50 years of age at retirement."
 
Don't quite get that one.  Be nice to see that for most of us, but the reality in todays world is, packages like that are far and few between.  

ORIGINAL: S-10

While there is nothing wrong with taking reasonable steps to protect it's officers some of there suggested measures go overboard once you take an objective look at the actual statistics involving the job. Actual Police officers aren't even in the top ten dangerous jobs and one WCO murder in a hundred years isn't much worse than that of the public at large.

In this case it appears that the union and others are using this tragic death in an attempt to get concessions from the PGC that they have been unable to get at the bargining table. EX-how is an increase in wages or retirement after 20 years and age 50 going to increase officer safety. Stopping citizens and ticketing them is also counterproductive from a safety standpoint.

I also have no desire being tasered by an officer who felt I didn't show him the Quote: PROPER ATTITUDE

I would say PA has been very fortunate over the years with the lack of these types of incidents. WCOs in the south seem to be in the line of fire much more frequently, with more deaths and injuries.

Some items I agree with and some I don't. If the personnel and funding could support it, partner patrols would increase officer safety IMMENSELY. But, with the lack of a license increase and "just getting by" right now, that is a pipe dream.

This one really stands out as a Bozo the Clown wishlist item.

Equipping with M-16's for 205 yd shootouts with bad guys?

Gimme a break - perhaps Dooley should suggest that, in such a case, the Game Wardens BACK OFF, and call in the REAL SWAT teams that are heavily equipped with all the good "Black Stuff" bought with taxpayer's money.

Heavy caliber rifles for dispatching wounded animals?
Gimme another break...(I guess instant-death brain pan shots via service revolver are now obsolete).

This is surely a tragedy and these suggestions/requests/demands should not appear in the same article, that is just sad...


"As for pay scale, we are lower than most wildlife agencies in the Eastern corridor," Dooley said, "in states like New Jersey, New York." In Pennsylvania, cadets receive a first-year salary of $29,000 while at the academy. After graduation and during a probationary first-year in the field, they reach $38,200."

I've dealt with similar statements from professional staff in the past, easy answer.... MOVE TO NJ OR NY...

I have no issues with outfitting WCO's with whatever equipment they feel necessary. They do the job every day, not me.
I also believe that there should be a way for them to pull people over to check violations. I do not think they should be able to write traffic citations, but if they think that poaching or some other violation of the game law is occuring then they should be able to make a stop.

I do not believe that early retirement (yes, I know they are the only LE branch in the state that does not have 20,50) will make officers any safer.

For an agency that was begging for a license increase 2 years ago, to avert thier impending bankruptcy, they sure seem eager to spend the cash now, don't they?

ORIGINAL: bulldog1

This is surely a tragedy and these suggestions/requests/demands should not appear in the same article, that is just sad...


"As for pay scale, we are lower than most wildlife agencies in the Eastern corridor," Dooley said, "in states like New Jersey, New York." In Pennsylvania, cadets receive a first-year salary of $29,000 while at the academy. After graduation and during a probationary first-year in the field, they reach $38,200."

I've dealt with similar statements from professional staff in the past, easy answer.... MOVE TO NJ OR NY...

They failed to mention what the base salary is for a 10 year on the job WCO employee. They also failed to mention that WCO's make more than most local cops. Local cops don't get paid to put up bird houses.

Yep -all ya gotta do is unlock it while the 'issue' is already happening= had one in my car for  a long time- then they putem in the trunk.
Not sayin its a bad thing OA just that it isnt an answer to a nutcase on a mission who already got you cornered. The issue I was speaking to is that of a sudden unexpected confrontation. Thats an LE nightmare.
  Any LE whos outfit hasnt already issued such weaponry in these times is working under a handicap and I aint just talkin bout not havin the long gun.
   My personal all round favorite is a pump 12 Ga with rifle sights and carrying both slugs and oo buck. Your good to a hundred yards or so and close in too- both with positive results.
  Another excellent LE long gun is the Marlin which can be either 9 mm or 45 and will take the Smith clips - GREAT if your agency issued Smith sidearms- -up to 20 rounds per clip too. Since most LE carry several clips your good to go with either weapon quickly with no ammo issues.

agree completly

ORIGINAL: RSB
 
What it would do is allow Officers who are burned out or simply no longer want to do law enforcement the option to retire instead of them basically forced, financially, to stay on the job after they no longer have any interest in it. Are those the type of Officers we want on the job, just because they can’t qualify for retirement yet without paying a financial penalty for early retirement? 
  

My profession is Physical Therapy. I must work till I am in my mid sixties to begin to draw on my investment plan without getting penalized.  Pensions and early retirement packages do not exist for myself and for most of those in the private sector. 

Being burned out by 50 can happen to anyone. Every day for me has it challenges working with folks with serious health issues. That is not an excuse to do a poor job nor is it an excuse to expect early retirement with benefits. My options are to retire early with the penalities that go with it,  look for another career or keep working doing the best job that I can. My patients would expect no less.  Neither would the sportsmen of this state, in your case.

In answer to why shouldn't WCO's have the 20 and 50 option.

1. Statistics show that a Pa. WCO's job is far less dangerous than a State troopers job and even their job isn't in the top 10 most dangerous.
2. It's not necessary to obtain qualified canidates as the present wages and benefits result in many more qualified applicants than positions available.
3. The PGC claims they need a license increase to implement projects to help the states wildlife. Spending it on unnecessary benefits for WCO's will not address their stated need.
4. If a WCO is burned out they can do the same as the states citizens which is suck it up or change jobs.
5. Increasing the benefits---in this case retirement at age 50 with 20 years service ---does not improve job function as in your example, you already think you deserve it so their is no benefit to the agency or those paying for it.
6. The mere fact that someone else has a benefit you covet simply means you may want to consider changing jobs.
7. In this age most businesses or industries are reducing wages and benefits to stay compettive and for the PGC to spend the money of folks who pay their bills(the PGC's) on increased benefits for the agencies employees would not go over well.
8. The fact that you (as an example) are promoting spending money on increased benefits rather than more WCO's indicates that "as feared" the union is using the Grove killing in a attempt to pad their pockets rather than to improve safety.
9. The bottom line really is that the PGC already pays sufficient wages and benefits to insure a steady stream of well qualified canidates ready and willing to step in to fill any opening. That is the definition of a great job.

ORIGINAL: RSB
 
Do we really want law enforcement officers out other there that no longer have the physical or mental ability to do the job without perhaps using deadly force when a younger officer might have been able to use a lesser means of force to bring the same incident to a successful conclusion?

Do you really want a burned out physical therapist that thinks they should be retired at 50 rehabing your rotator cuff repair or acute stroke?  The point is that we should strive to do the best job that we can while we are employed and the wisdom that comes with on the job experience has its advantages as well.  

There is one huge difference though. You don’t have to deal with criminals that would like to kick your azz or perhaps even try to kill you at any given moment while you are arresting them.

I deal with very sick people on a regular basis.  I need to be aware of their status and be on the lookout for life threatening symptoms.  The weight is not light but the rewards are there.  I would imagine you feel the same at times?
 

It is not simply a matter of drawing their pension; it also has a lot to do with what makes sense from professional law enforcement standards. That is why the 20 and 50 retirement has been the standard for ALL other state law enforcement officers. Why should it be different for Game Commission WCOs than it is for ALL other state officers?

Maybe the standard should not be a standard? I disagree with it in principle. 
 

I'm in the second most dangerous job in this country.. Logging, check out the deaths per 100,000 workers.

I'm fifty have no retirement and I'm getting burned out on risking my life on a daily basis for less than the starting salary of a Cadet.
Someone please pay me..


You get burned out you find another job just like the rest of us.
You don't get a free ride beacuse you are tired of doing the job...

If you feel your unpaid or underprotected as a WCO, find a new profession. Nobody forced you into it

Don't try that BS on me RSB, They will be paying the retiree at the same time they are paying his replacement for the 15 years the retiree would have been working. Plus they will be paying the retiree that 50% for 15 years to 65 so he is way ahead of the fellow who retires at 65 and he has to live a long time just to get even.. Why do you think they said IF they got the license increase then they would ask to spend some of that money to increase the retirement benefit of the WCO's. Plus the retiree will get all the overtime he can during hunting season and retire at the end of that quarter just as the state troopers built theirs up during the prison riots and then retired. Just because I point out facts you can't dispute you have no option but to attack me as anti government. I am just anti B.S.

There is no benefit to anyone but the affeced WCO's and there is substantial cost to the rest.