Virgina Creates Wildlife Crime Watch Program

Sounds intriguing. I was particularly interested in the list of program sponsors. They were all hunting associations AND the National Rifle Association.

"Wildlife Crime Watch" is a new program implemented by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The ultimate goal of law enforcement is to stop criminal activity before is occurs. This program is a proactive effort to develop a partnership between citizens and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. It is patterned after the successful "Neighborhood Watch." Emphasis will be placed on wildlife and environmental issues but traditional crime prevention will also be addressed. Efforts will be made to have as many people in the community involved as possible, from young to old.

Through community meetings, neighbors will learn more about each other and how to protect wildlife, the environment, personal property and human life. Game Wardens and Department biologists will be available to provide information on wildlife and environmental issues. Game Wardens will act as liaison officers to coordinate with other agencies and organizations to provide assistance in other areas of concerns to the communities.

This program is designed to adapt to the concerns and needs of each participating "Watch" group. Meetings will be conducted as often as is necessary to meet the needs of each group. Road signs announcing the area as a "Wildlife Crime Watch Area" will be placed in the participating communities. Citizens will utilize phone trees and act as eyes and ears of law enforcement to report on suspicious activities.