About the Conservation Officer Service

Last updated: May 29, 2023

The Conservation Officer Service has worked to protect the environment, the fish and the wildlife in British Columbia, as well as the safety of citizens for 110 years. What is today known as B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service began in 1905. During the early days, policy was minimal and training virtually non-existent. It was not uncommon for new wardens to be given a copy of the game laws and a badge, and sent on their way. 

The modern Conservation Officer Service has evolved over the years into a leading natural resource law enforcement agency specializing in public safety as it relates to human/wildlife conflict, our responsibilities include managing complex commercial environmental and industrial investigations and compliance and enforcement services. As an organization we are structured in three units; Provincial Operations (uniformed officers), Provincial Investigations Unit (investigations) and program support, and we are located in 45 communities throughout British Columbia and our Headquarters is located in Victoria.

Conservation Officers are highly trained, dedicated individuals responsible for enforcing 33 federal and provincial statutes, they hold Special Provincial Constable Status under the Police Act and have unrestricted appointment to enforce Acts and Statues, and protect the public and preserve the peace. They work with private and public partners such as the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations Resource Officers, the RCMP, Environment Canada, the Department of Fisheries, First Nations, and local and provincial stakeholders to reduce human-wildlife conflict. 

Learn more about our organization:

• 110 years of service
• Ceremonial unit
• Honour roll
• Awards and recognition
• K-9 unit
• Compliments and complaints