Doing research

[dragonskull2523]

Hello,
I am doing research on becoming a Humane Law Enforcement Officer. I just wanted to know what is expected, what you all do on a daily basis and if there is any where I can go to get more information? I'm actually surpirsed there aren't more websites on the subject.

Thanks,
Lindsey :D

[Gromlich]

Welcome. Try pulling up city and county web sites and follow the links for animal control. They will usually have a mission statement to inform the citizens of their functions in the community.

Ours, well lets see. Goes something like..................

To protect the citizens from nuisence, dangerous and vicious animals.
To educate the citizens on animals related issues, including laws.
To capture any sick or injured animals and seek appropriate medical treatment.
To capture dangerous or vicious animals.
To enforce animal related city and state laws.
To capture any stray dog running at large.


Goes a little bit more in depth when you break these down into actual job description. The list gets rather long.

I might have left some out of the mission statement, so anybody else feel free to jump in.

[NorthernACO]

I think it will totally depend on where you ultimately begin work. Here in the great frozen north my job is comprised of Municipal Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Control. During my day I write tickets from illegal parking, camp fires, business license's, and the list goes on. From an ACO stand point I pick up loose dogs on a semi regular basis, write tickets for unlicensed or At Large Dogs, assist the local police department and power company when aggresive dogs are involved. I am also the sole investigator for any animal cruelty or animal attacks that may occur. I also assist local Conservation Officers when wildlife wonders into town, Makes for a full and very interesting work week.
But that only skims the surface, we all have different duties and they vary from place to place. Hope some of this helps you out.

[A. Gianotto]

Some ACOs also have to pick up dead stuff off the road - and some don't.

[ACO2642]

Some ACOs also have to pick up dead stuff off the road - and some don't.
Thats what we have trash men for in my area ! WHEW !

Seriously though you'll find that there are different ypes of ACO/ HLEO s out here. I have many duties that are not animal related. In fact my job description has been known to scare off prospective employees !! :D

[Sunny]

Also like to add that as an ACO/Animal Cruelty Investigator...you work 24/7. Days, afternoons, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call shifts. Be prepared to be woken up at all hours of the night...2am..3:30am, 4am..etc. You work crazy hours, often VERY sleep deprived.

This is a GREAT field....but also very emotionally draining....but at the same time VERY REWARDING. Check with your local spca. Good Luck

Sunny :pawprint:

[Opie913]

I have done some tasks that definitely are not animal related (I guess that would fall into the "other duties as assigned" category). But, I don't mind. It breaks up the routine and helps out other officers (I work for a police department).

But...my job description also includes "assisting on dynamic entries where animals may be present," as well as responding to calls of nusiance, aggressive, vicious animals, investigate complaints of bites, cruelty, and enforce city and state laws. And to reiterate, most agencies will have a posting with the job requirements/duties on their websites.

And yes...I also have to pick up the dead ones.