In a recent government meeting, Mike Kinghorn, president of the Utah Conservation Officers Association (UCOA), presented critical insights regarding the challenges faced by law enforcement officers within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Kinghorn, who has over two decades of experience with the Utah Division of Wildlife, emphasized the need for improved compensation for DNR law enforcement officers, highlighting a significant pay disparity compared to other law enforcement agencies in the state.

Kinghorn detailed the upcoming unification of DNR's law enforcement divisions, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This restructuring aims to consolidate officers from various divisions, including wildlife, parks, and forestry, into a single DNR Division of Law Enforcement (DLE). While this move is expected to streamline operations, Kinghorn expressed concerns that the current funding structure limits the ability to offer competitive wages, which has led to a troubling turnover rate of over 20% since 2021.

During his presentation, Kinghorn shared alarming statistics about the risks faced by wildlife officers, noting that they are assaulted with firearms or knives significantly more often than their urban counterparts. He underscored the importance of these officers, who often respond to serious incidents in remote areas, including domestic violence and drug-related crimes, while frequently working alone.

Kinghorn also provided a comparative analysis of officer wages, revealing that DNR officers earn an average of $16 less at mid-career than their peers in other law enforcement agencies. He called for an estimated $6.45 million to fund necessary wage adjustments, arguing that without these changes, the DNR risks losing qualified personnel to better-paying positions in other states.

The meeting concluded with questions from committee members, who acknowledged the vital role of DNR officers and the increasing challenges they face in the field. As discussions continue, the focus remains on addressing the pay disparities and ensuring that Utah's conservation officers are adequately compensated for their essential work in protecting the state's natural resources.