Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Earns National NAWLEA Accreditation

The North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (NAWLEA) is proud to

announce that the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Law Enforcement Section has officially earned full national accreditation. Alabama becomes the second state agency in the nation to achieve NAWLEA accreditation, joining Florida in this historic milestone.

The accreditation was formally presented during the 79th Annual Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 28, 2025.

A Commitment to Excellence

Receiving NAWLEA accreditation marks the culmination of sustained effort, including comprehensive policy development and a thorough 2025 on-site assessment. The evaluation included:

• In-depth officer interviews

• Review of agency equipment

• Examination of operations, policies, and procedures

  
  

By successfully meeting the approximately 70 NAWLEA professional standards, the Alabama WFF Law Enforcement Section demonstrated its strong alignment with national best practices in natural resources law enforcement.

Leadership Reflections

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship praised the accomplishment, noting that the Section’s work “highlights their commitment to upholding the highest standards in conservation law enforcement.”

Colonel Michael Weathers, WFF Law Enforcement Section Chief, emphasized the significance of accreditation for the agency's future:

“This accreditation serves as a testament to our dedication to transparency, professionalism, and the highest standards of service.”

New WFF Director Chris Lewis echoed this sentiment, calling Alabama a long-time leader in conservation law enforcement and stating that the recognition “further enhances the agency’s capabilities and contributes to the overall improvement of the profession.”

Aligning with NAWLEA’s Mission

The accreditation directly supports NAWLEA’s mission to strengthen the natural resources law enforcement profession by establishing and maintaining objective standards for effectiveness, efficiency, and professionalism. Core goals of the NAWLEA program include:

• Increasing agency effectiveness and service delivery

• Promoting interagency cooperation

• Ensuring high-quality training for officers

• Building public trust and confidence

• Elevating professionalism across the field

Alabama’s achievement reflects these values, demonstrating both exceptional leadership and a proactive commitment to advancing the conservation law enforcement profession.

Celebrating the Achievement

Below is an image from the accreditation ceremony at SEAFWA, featuring representatives from NAWLEA and the Alabama WFF Law Enforcement Command Staff.

About NAWLEA

The North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation Program provides a structured, objective system for evaluating and improving natural resource law enforcement agencies. Through accreditation, agencies demonstrate their commitment to public service, organizational excellence, and the protection of our natural resources.

Learn more at www.nawlea.org.