FWC first agency in U.S. to receive NAWLEA accreditation

FWC Division of Law Enforcement is the first agency in the U.S. to be accredited through the North American Law Enforcement Accreditation (NAWLEA) L-R: Colonel Bobby Cales (West Virginia Division of Natural Resources); Colonel Chisolm Frampton (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources); Colonel Brian G. Smith (FWC-Florida); Colonel John Cobb (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources); Accreditation Manager Elizabeth Kamerick (FWC-Florida); Captain Dana Russell (FWC-Florida) and Lt. Richard Doricchi (FWC-Florida). -FWC Photo

By Tami Stevenson

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement became the first agency in the U.S. to receive accreditation from the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation (NAWLEA) program.

     NAWLEA develops and establishes standards for conservation law enforcement professionalism and effectiveness. By meeting NAWLEA’s approximately 70 rigorous standards and earning accreditation, the FWC Division of Law Enforcement will, according to a press release, enhance its commitment to the highest standards of service in achieving its mission to conserve the state’s fish and wildlife resources and protect the people of Florida.

     Established in 2022, NAWLEA officially entered into participation agreements with these first five states, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Virginia on the accreditation journey in 2024 and Florida became the first out of the states to receive accreditation on March 3.

     Assessors conducted their formal review Jan. 14-15, 2025, which included opportunities to conduct interviews and observations at a static display featuring FWC law enforcement officers and agency issued equipment.

     “This milestone is a great honor that reflects the professional excellence of our accreditation team and the entire FWC Division of Law Enforcement,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Meeting the standards and goals set by NAWLEA enhances our wildlife conservation efforts and strengthens the profession as a whole.”

     In Canada, the NAWLEA program is a key focus for agencies like Parks Canada, and the Canadian Wildlife Service, with organizations like the Canadian Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (CWEOA) playing a role in promoting best practices.

     By establishing and maintaining rigorous standards, NAWLEA ensures that agencies across North America adhere to best practices, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. For more information about NAWLEA, visit NAWLEA.org/Projects.