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The dos and don’ts of reporting wildlife law violations News Media Aug 19, 2008 Arizona Game and Fish Department law enforcement officers want the public to report wildlife law violations, but there are things a person should and shouldn’t do at a potential crime scene. “The desire of the public to help us catch violators is great. However, there are instances when that desire can actually hinder law enforcement efforts,” said Gene Elms, law enforcement branch chief in Phoenix. Elms explained that those encountering violations sometimes inform the violator they will be calling the Operation Game Thief (OGT) 24-hour hotline. “At that point the violator vacates the scene before law enforcement personnel can arrive,” Elms said. “A better approach is to avoid contact, leave the scene, and call the OGT hotline as soon as possible with details.” Elms added that license plate numbers, names (if known), vehicle descriptions, and GPS (global positioning system) coordinates are all important pieces of information an officer can use. Another common mistake is getting too close or examining a dead animal. “Additional footprints, tire tracks, and general disturbance of the area make an investigation difficult, if not impossible,” Elms explained. “If the death of a wild animal appears to be suspicious, people should assume a violation has occurred, call the OGT hotline, and provide the location. Do not disturb the area around the site.” Individuals should also remember that confronting suspected violators in the backcountry could be dangerous. “Approaching a violator is not the best course of action,” Elms warned. “Allow trained law enforcement officers to handle such situations. Individuals should focus on being a good witness, but should never put themselves in harm’s way.” Individuals witnessing or suspecting a violation can call the OGT toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-352-0700. Calls can remain confidential upon request. The OGT program may pay rewards for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in a case. |
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