Last Friday, 41 DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers were sworn in and commissioned in a ceremony at Leeward Community College. This marks the formal end of their academy training to become Hawai‘i Conservation Resources Enforcement Officers (CREOs). This is the largest recruit class in the history of the program.

After eight months of training in more than 100 training disciplines combining classroom work and intense field exercises, the new CREOs will deploy to four DOCARE branches: O‘ahu (14), Hawai‘i Island (14), Maui (7), and Kaua‘i (6).

CREO duties include enforcing rules and laws, educating residents and visitors and interacting with the community. DOCARE officers cover large geographic areas, often working independently with little or no oversight. They’re expected to command a firm understanding of natural resource laws, and to work in challenging conditions on land and at sea.

The academy program is a community effort with stakeholders including Honolulu Community College, elected officials, DLNR and other state department leadership, conservation nonprofits, subject matter experts, other partner organizations, and residents. The program is unique in that it offers both a public safety and a natural resources component.

The new CREOs now begin their field-training phase, working alongside seasoned officers at their respective island posts.

DLNR Photo