Starting next week, law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Game Commission will have a different title.
The officers will be called “state game wardens” beginning January 1st.
The change is being made in order to reflect the large scope of duties and range of responsibilities these officers have including enforcement of laws that regulate hunting as well as protection of wildlife and the environment. Wardens are also tasked with education, research, and a variety of conservation programs.
PA Game Commission field officers have been known as wildlife conservation officers since 1987 and before that they were referred to as district game protectors. Game wardens will continue to be sworn peace officers with state-wide law enforcement authority.