{"id":1024,"date":"2018-09-10T16:41:52","date_gmt":"2018-09-10T16:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/?p=1024"},"modified":"2018-09-10T16:41:52","modified_gmt":"2018-09-10T16:41:52","slug":"is-a-park-ranger-an-actual-police-officer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/is-a-park-ranger-an-actual-police-officer\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Park Ranger an Actual Police Officer?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last week, we covered information regarding common camping crimes. In the past, we have also discussed the difference between a security guard and a cop. But in this week\u2019s blog, we will take a closer look at the duties and authorities of a park ranger. Understanding the authority of a park ranger is important if you plan on visiting any state or national parks this fall. Continue reading to get started, and then share these facts with friends and loved ones!<\/font><\/h3>\n
\"Criminal

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514<\/p><\/div>\n

Let\u2019s get one fact straight: <\/font><\/h1>\n

PARK RANGERS ARE POLICE OFFICERS.<\/strong> <\/font><\/h2>\n

Park rangers can (and will) arrest a person who breaks the law, whether it\u2019s a state law, federal law, or park rule. Misunderstanding the role of a park ranger has cost many people a night in jail. If you are a frequent camper, hiker, fisher, or park visitor, be sure to fully understand that park rangers are the boss. In fact, park rangers are not the only authorities you might come across. Individuals like park police, game wardens, and other park officials are also in charge of enforcing rules.<\/p>\n

Park Security<\/font><\/h1>\n

Many parks will hire private security during the off seasons to monitor the land and thwart trespassers, vagrants, and vandals. They also hire extra security to assist law enforcement rangers during peak park seasons. It is important to understand the distinction between a security guard and a park ranger or officer to avoid getting into trouble. Although park security can detain you until local police arrive, they cannot actually arrest you. They are not licensed police officers, but they still have authority. See our blog, \u201cCan a Security Guard Arrest Me?<\/a>” for more information.<\/p>\n

Beware of Contradicting Laws<\/font><\/h1>\n

Keep in mind that park laws can differ from state laws. For example, medical marijuana use may be legal under state law, but in a National park, federal law applies. So if you are caught smoking a joint in a National park, you will be arrested and charged, even if you are in a state that permits medical marijuana use and you have a valid medical license.<\/p>\n

What Could Happen<\/font><\/h1>\n

Park rangers have a little more authority in terms of searching and investigating a camp site because a majority of their role involves administrative duties, like checking hunting permits and fishing licenses, collecting fees, enforcing rules (i.e. leash laws, littering, fire activity, etc.), and more. They have a few options when it comes to managing a suspected crime. They can either give out citations, which could involve paying a fine or attending a court date, or they can arrest a suspect. <\/p>\n

In the case of an arrest, they can arrest a person themselves and transfer them to the park detainment center, or they can choose to hand the defendant off to the local authorities. If you are ever under the arrest of a park ranger, you retain the same rights you would if you were being arrested by a local law enforcement officer. This includes your right to remain silent. After you are released from detention, contact an Indiana criminal defense lawyer<\/a> right away to secure your rights and protect your freedoms. <\/p>\n

Arrested in a Park?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"David

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514<\/p><\/div>Call the Law Office of Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514<\/strong> to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your Indianapolis criminal charges. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation! Call 317-636-7514 to get started, today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last week, we covered information regarding common camping crimes. In the past, we have also discussed the difference between a security guard and a cop. But in this week\u2019s blog, we will take a closer look at the duties and … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[534,535,536,538,537,539],"class_list":["post-1024","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-criminal-law","tag-arrested-in-a-park","tag-indiana-criminal-defense-lawyer","tag-national-park-laws","tag-park-ranger-arrest-me","tag-park-ranger-real-cop","tag-park-ranger-vs-security-guard"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1024"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1028,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1024\/revisions\/1028"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.delewislaw.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}