Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Office of Public Safety and Law Enforcement has once again been recognized for its commitment to professionalism, accountability and excellence.
The Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission has officially reaccredited the office, reaffirming DCR’s continued dedication to high-quality public safety and law enforcement operations across the Commonwealth.
Reaccreditation is awarded to agencies that demonstrate consistent compliance with nearly 200 performance standards. These standards span administration, operations, training, personnel management and community engagement. To earn the designation, agencies undergo a rigorous review process that includes policy analysis, on-site evaluations and staff interviews.
DCR Director Nikki Rovner praised the team’s accomplishment, noting the impact their work has on millions of visitors each year.
“Achieving reaccreditation reflects the dedication of our Public Safety and Law Enforcement leadership team and law enforcement rangers,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “Their work ensures that visitors to Virginia’s state parks and natural area preserves experience safe, well-managed outdoor spaces supported by a law enforcement agency that meets rigorous statewide standards.”
DCR’s Office of Public Safety and Law Enforcement serves 44 Virginia State Parks and nine natural area preserves, totaling more than 140,000 acres. The office provides patrol, criminal investigation, emergency response, visitor assistance, special event support and resource protection. The office works closely with local, state and federal partners to ensure consistent, high-quality visitor experience.
“Maintaining this accreditation is an important reminder of our responsibility to the public,” said DCR Chief of Public Safety and Law Enforcement Scott Vantrease. “It reinforces our commitment to transparency, continuous improvement and the highest level of professional conduct.”
The office first earned accreditation from the VLEPSC in 2010, becoming the Commonwealth’s first conservation and recreation law enforcement agency to do so. Accreditation is renewed every four years.
To learn more about the Office of Public Safety and Law Enforcement, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/public-safety-law-enforcement/.
Categories
Conservation | Land Conservation | Natural Heritage | State Parks
