SOUTH DAKOTA DEPT. OF GAME, FISH AND PARKS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005
CONTACT: Emmett Keyser, 773-4607
GFP Turn In Poachers/Law Enforcement Training Coordinator Named
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Game, Fish and Parks has a new Turn In Poachers/Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for its Division of Wildlife.
Andy Alban began his new duties on Aug. 9. He has worked with the department for six years as a conservation officer since graduating from SDSU in 1998. Alban spent two years in Plankinton and then four years in Yankton before being promoted to his new position in Pierre.
"We're excited to have Andy take on a new challenge in the department as the TIPs and Training Coordinator for the Division of Wildlife in Pierre," said GFP Assistant Director of Wildlife Emmett Keyser. "Andy works exceptionally well with people, and he will provide an important link with the hunting and fishing public through the Turn In Poachers Program. He has also come on board at an exciting time as the coordinator of the conservation law enforcement training program at Game, Fish and Parks. He'll play a key role in helping to implement our new field training program as well as several other important public communications and outreach initiatives."
One of Alban’s primary duties at his new position involves supervising the day-to-day operation of the department's Turn In Poachers (TIPs) program. The TIPs program plays an important role in stopping poachers by having the public report wildlife violations.
The TIPs program operates through a private, non-profit board, Wildlife Protection, Inc., which accepts donations to help fund the TIPs reward payment system.
Another primary duty includes providing oversight, administration and coordination of the department's statewide Conservation Law Enforcement Training Program. This involves training the department's officers in the areas of citizen contact and communication, defensive tactics, use of firearms, constitutional law and the use of force. Alban is also responsible for coordinating the Conservation Officer Trainee Program. "Following graduation from the Law Enforcement Standards Basic Training course at the DCI Law Enforcement Academy, conservation officer trainees are provided with additional and more specific ‘field training’ in conservation law enforcement by agency personnel," Alban noted.One of Alban’s challenges involves instructing the trainees under a new training model.
"The department is currently operating under a new training model, which focuses more on community-oriented policing and the development of critical thinking/problem solving skills," he said. "This program is integral in ensuring that the new officers are fully prepared to provide conservation law enforcement services to the citizens of South Dakota upon deployment to their first assigned duty station. South Dakota is the first wildlife agency in the nation to adopt this style of training, which makes the transition process very exciting."
Alban noted that some of the first objectives he wishes to accomplish include:
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