Week of May 5, 2025
The 13 conservation officer candidates now have finished the first two weeks of the CO Academy at Camp Ripley. This week at the Academy included a variety of administrative tasks and got into the finer details of being a DNR conservation officer. A few of the highlights from the week follow.
The COCs:
- Received their state-issued trucks and worked on backing trailers.
- Practiced identifying common game and fish species in Minnesota.
- Trained on writing reports and communicating via radio.
- Discussed conservation officer authorities.
- Learned about collecting, photographing, and properly documenting evidence in the field.
The 2025 DNR Conservation Officer Academy kicked off April 28, 2025, with 13 recruits beginning 16 weeks of intensive training at Camp Ripley. During the first week, the conservation officer candidates spent much of their time learning about the Enforcement Division and its history, getting acclimated to the DNR in general, and getting to know their “litter mates.” They received specific training on items including their body worn cameras and working with the media. This year’s class of candidates includes seven individuals who came to DNR Enforcement via the CO Prep program, which is a pathway for those without previous law enforcement experience to become a conservation officer. Those seven people spent four months at Hennepin Technical College before starting at the CO Academy.
