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14th Wildlife Resources Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class Begins
DWR welcomes VMRC to the Academy
Richmond, VA — On Monday, March 10, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource’s (DWR) 14th Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class began, but this class is different than the 13 classes before. The 14th Basic Class includes 19 total recruits, 14 DWR Conservation Police Officer (CPO) recruits and five Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) Marine Police Officer (MPO) recruits. This is the first time another law enforcement agency has enrolled in the DWR led academy.
“In the field, we often work side-by-side protecting Virginia’s natural resources, so naturally training together will enhance that partnership,” said DWR Colonel John Cobb. “Good teamwork and comradery begin in the Academy and DWR is proud and excited to host our partners at VMRC and train beside them.”
The DWR Basic Law Enforcement Academy consists of 29 weeks of intensive training including firearm proficiency, crime scene investigations, impaired driving enforcement, operating watercraft, and driving multiple types of vehicles including four-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles. There is also training in natural resource protection, United States Fish and Wildlife Service regulations, and fish species identification. The training curriculum for this combined class was also expanded to meet VMRC’s needs and now includes courses in commercial fisheries and shellfish management.
“The protection of Virginia’s natural resources is dependent upon the coordinated efforts and partnership between VMRC and DWR,” said VMRC Colonel Matthew Rogers. “VMRC is excited for this historic training academy with our DWR partners and the return of exceptionally trained marine police officers to the field.”
This combined class of DWR CPO recruits and VMRC MPO recruits will graduate on Sept. 26, 2025, after which they will continue their field training assignments with their respective departments.
