LAW ENFORCEMENT 



A long awaited step forward in building up a more efficient conser- 

 vation force was begun during the past two years by the Commission. 



For the first time in the Fish and Ganae Department's liistory, 

 recruits for the warden force were chosen from a list of already 

 trained eligibles provided by competitive examinations. This plan of 

 filling vacancies was adopted by the Commission on March 1. 1951. The 

 announcement of the first of examinations was given and in April, ap- 

 proximately 93 applicants took the warden examination. A pre-em- 

 ployment training school was given to those successful in passing the 

 competitive examination and those passing the i-equired subjects at 

 the school were placed on an eligible list from which future recruits 

 are drawn. 



In order to keep in step with advancements in law enforcement 

 techniques, the Department has purchased short wave radio telephones 

 for wardens' cars. These units are on a radio frequency which ties our 

 warden force in with other law enforcement agencies such as Couin^' 

 Sheriffs, City police and the Highway Patrol. Through this medium of 

 contact, better than ever cooperation between our own field force and 

 other law enforcement agencies is now obtained. 



In addition to radio units in wardens' cars, the Department has two 

 radio units in airplanes. We have found that airplanes can be very 

 valuable in locating game concentrations prior to the opening of hunt- 

 ing seasons. Direction of men on the ground into such areas has aided 

 in giving the most efficient patrol of such areas. 



When «anic warden activities taper off during; the winter months, they meet in 

 Helena with Division Directors of the Department, representatives of other law 

 enforcement agencies and instructors from Montana State University and State 



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