Indiana Conservation Officers (ICO’s) are seeking qualified applicants.  Any person who is interested in a career as an ICO should visit the website http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/2760.htm  and complete the pre-screening test to be entered into the hiring process.  The deadline for successful completion is December 15, 2015 to be considered for the 2016 hiring process beginning in January.

ICO’s are employed with the Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources.  Primary duties of an ICO include enforcement of fish and wildlife laws, natural, historical and cultural resource laws, boating laws and outdoor recreation laws.  ICO’s enforce all laws of the state of Indiana and are fully empowered law enforcement officers.

To be qualified to pass the pre-screening test a person must be a U.S. citizen, be 21 by November 2016, have an Associate’s Degree from an accredited College or University or, 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor’s Degree or, 4 years active concurrent military service with an honorable discharge.  The person must also be able to pass minimum Indiana Law Enforcement Academy physical fitness requirements.

Interested persons may visit the website and complete the “stay in touch” form to be contacted by a local recruiting officer to learn more about this profession.  All 10 ICO districts maintain a facebook page that may be followed for further information at Indiana DNR Law District 1 through 10.  A district map may be found at http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/2755.htm

Troopers Taylor Fox and Xander Welsh reported to the Evansville District this morning to begin their new careers as Indiana State Troopers.  They were among 46 graduates of the 75^th Indiana State Police Academy, which graduated November 19.  The ceremony was conducted in the south atrium of the Indiana State Capitol Rotunda.

Their recent graduation marked the culmination of 21 weeks of intense training exceeding 950 hours.  Some subject areas of training included criminal and traffic law, crash investigations, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms and a host of other subjects related to modern policing.

Trooper Fox, 25, is a native of Bedford and a 2009 graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School.  He later graduated from University of Southern Indiana where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.  Fox currently resides in Vanderburgh County and will be assigned to Gibson County.

Trooper Welsh, 22, is a native of Belvidere, IL, and a 2011 graduate of Belvidere North High School.  He later attended WyoTech College in Laramie, WY, and received an Associate’s Degree in Business Management.  Welsh currently resides in Vanderburgh County and will be assigned to Gibson County.

Both troopers start their 14 weeks of field training today with experienced troopers. The program allows them to put the skills and knowledge they gained in the academy to work in the field.  Upon successful completion of the field training program, they will receive their own patrol car and begin solo patrol responsibilities.

Photograph: Left to right – Trooper Taylor Fox and Trooper Xander Welsh