The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State.
In 2025, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement fielded an estimated 101,169 calls. Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to more than 35,575 complaints and worked on cases that resulted in 15,673 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.
“DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators enforce New York’s Environmental Conservation Law to ensure the protection of public safety and our vast natural resources, including air, water, wildlife, and New York’s one-of-a-kind outdoor spaces,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “This highly specialized and rewarding work is instrumental to upholding our stringent laws and making the great outdoors safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Operation 250 Security – New York City
DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) recently assisted in providing security for “Operation 250” in New York City, a series of events over several days celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The multi-agency security detail began on June 30 and ran through July 9, and events included “Sail 4th 250,” a spectacular parade of tall international sailing ships, U.S. Navy Fleet Week, International Naval review, the Jones Beach Fireworks and Air Show, and 4th of July fireworks in New York City.
DLE provided approximately 60 ECOs and 12 vessels from across the state to help secure these events. Officers conducted security zone enforcement, counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations, search and rescue missions, and support for other participating agencies. DEC law enforcement worked in coordination with local, state, interstate, and federal partners to achieve a successful mission, despite some challenging weather that included extreme heat and powerful storms.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton joins DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement during “Operation 250” security detail in New York City