The Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police is looking for new officers.

Capt. John Williamson explains they are hitting the recruiting trail very hard and need 25 officers. He indicates the hiring environment is very difficult for law enforcement.

Capt. Williamson indicates the style of law enforcement that Conservation Police offers is enjoyable. He believes the moniker 'game-warden' is something embraced by those in the field.

One of the drawbacks for many years at the Conservation Police Force level was officers have to start in northern Illinois and it may be several years before an individual can return closer to home. Capt. Williamson indicates changing that is something they are exploring to keep officers in the force and make it attractive to join.

According to Capt. Williamson, while they are starting to see young officers who may not be as passionate about hunting or fishing, most of the Conversation Police Force got into that line of work because of that passion.