Pacific Southwest Research Station

Publication Information

Title: Forest Service patrol captain and patrol commanders report: nationwide study

Author: Chavez, Deborah J.; Tynon, Joanne F.

Date: 2007

Source: Res. Pap. PSW-RP-254. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station; 38 p

Station ID: RP-PSW-254

Description: This is the third in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of USDA Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues entailed in their jobs. An e-mail survey was administered to the 79 Forest Service patrol captains and patrol commanders (PCs) across the United States. Seventy completed and returned the questionnaire. Communication with others in the Forest Service was important to the PC respondents, as evidenced by their efforts to communicate at group meetings, talking face-to-face with others, their use of e-mail and the phone, and being available to communicate. A major concern for the PC respondents was the shortage of law enforcement officers and forest protection officers. Forest Service PC respondents ranked their highest job priorities as protecting National Forest System employees and forest users, followed by protecting forest resources and public property. Nationally, a successful program was characterized as one with sufficient resources that is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program, and one that is under good leadership.

Key Words: Crime and violence, law enforcement, forest visitors, successful management

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Chavez, Deborah J.; Tynon, Joanne F.  2007.  Forest Service patrol captain and patrol commanders report: nationwide study  Res. Pap. PSW-RP-254. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station; 38 p.