Overview

This study is the second in a series of studies to evaluate perceptions of USDA Forest Service law enforcement personnel of the roles, responsibilities, and issues entailed in their jobs. An e-mail survey was administered to the nine Forest Service special agents in charge (SACs) across the United States. All nine completed and returned the survey. Communication with others in the Forest Service was important to the SACs, as evidenced by their efforts to communicate at group meetings, their use of the phone and e-mail, talking face-to-face with others, and being available to communicate. A major concern for the SACs was the shortage of law enforcement officers and forest protection officers. Forest Service SACs ranked their highest job priorities as protecting National Forest System employees and forest users, followed by protecting forest resources and public property. Nationally, a successful program was characterized as one with sufficient resources that is understood by those engaged in or affected by the program, staffed by highly qualified individuals, and under good leadership.