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Nuge · 07-05-2011, 10:12 AM

I was part of a social club that held camp outs at a state park about 60 miles south of here. We are a well behaved group and even fed the older DNR officers that got to know us. The last few years there have been a lot of newer DNR officers that have gotten downright aggressive in their jobs. My issue was this: these "officers" dress all in black and are sneaking around occupied camp sites after dark peaking in tent windows!! (We were ALL tent campers back then) During one of our family camp outs, they had peeked in on one of the teen tents and came up to the adults (We had noticed this and were going to question the officers) and told us the kids smoking in that tent had all better be 18. Many of us responded that YOU (the officers) were going to have a problem if you come peeping in on us and our wives once we were in our tents! Did we not rent those spots for the weekend? Were those not our homes for that weekend? I believe they were invading OUR Privacy since we were being quiet and not breaking any rules or laws. I no longer go there and warn everyone who talks of going there to beware. I don't know if other state parks are getting like this, but that IS happening at Willow Slough in Morocco, Indiana!

RickO · 07-05-2011, 10:21 AM

Wow. I think a little red dot from a laser sight shining through the tent while he was peeking inside would have been a good response. Hard to believe they can get away with that "stuff". Sometimes I run into people who, for the first time in their lives, find themselves with a little authority and just can't handle it so they see themselves as CG Ninjas.

Rick

wildtoad · 07-05-2011, 10:25 AM

If they are peeking into tent or mh windows there are (or should be) subject to be arrested after dark or anytime for that matter. Just because they have a DNR uniform does not allow them to sneak a peek.

Gotta_P · 07-05-2011, 10:26 AM

What if the teen in that tent had been changing clothes? They have laws against Peeping Tom's and they do apply to LE as well! That DNR Officer would have been in real hot water and probably lost his job! There is a point where enforcement becomes harrassment, and it appears these guys have crossed that line!

What would I have done, probably gotten his Badge Number and reported his behavior to his superiors!

RJay · 07-05-2011, 10:27 AM

That sounds like a training camp for TSA agents. It certainly sounds like and invasion of privacy and somebody is taking a security walk around to a whole new level. But being a state park, I would call the State Parks Dept. and ask about what you experienced, if it's not the procedure at least they will be aware of what's going on and can address it.

Jack R · 07-05-2011, 10:54 AM

Nuge

I've read your post many times trying to figure out how in the world you can condone a group of adults peeping on teenagers or adults. I'm at a loss for an answer. Instead of posting this crime on a forum I think you should be sitting in a police department telling this story. I'm sure the campround is a safe one except for when this group camps there. Maybe you should post the group name and where they will be camping. This group is a pretty sick group of people to be lead by Peepers and those that know this do nothing.

jack

Nuge · 07-05-2011, 10:55 AM

This actually happened a couple of years ago but that other post reminded me of the incident. The DNR officers have also been known to spy on fishermen out on the lake by climbing trees on the islands and watching with binoculars and spotting scopes. Don't EVEN go to the gun ranges here either! One mistake and you get thrown out instead of being corrected or taught the right way to use those facilities...

Nuge · 07-05-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack R

Nuge

I've read your post many times trying to figure out how in the world you can condone a group of adults peeping on teenagers or adults. I'm at a loss for an answer. Instead of posting this crime on a forum I think you should be sitting in a police department telling this story. I'm sure the campround is a safe one except for when this group camps there. Maybe you should post the group name and where they will be camping. This group is a pretty sick group of people to be lead by Peepers and those that know this do nothing.

jack

You misunderstand! It was the Department of Natural Resources Officers doing the peeping at dusk. Legal Officers peeking at our groups' kids....You know, guys with guns and all black uniforms?? These officers are more powerful that State Police because their authority comes from the Federal level.

RickO · 07-05-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuge

These officers are more powerful that State Police because their authority comes from the Federal level.

Really? I thought DNR was typically a state function.

Rick

Tallyrver · 07-05-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuge

You misunderstand! It was the Department of Natural Resources Officers doing the peeping at dusk. Legal Officers peeking at our groups' kids....You know, guys with guns and all black uniforms?? These officers are more powerful that State Police because their authority comes from the Federal level.

Cell phone video...it would make national news.

It would be your word against his without proof.

Nuge · 07-05-2011, 11:12 AM

While it is a state function, some of their power is derived from Federal Fish and Wildlife regulations. They are the Game Wardens here. At least that is what I've been lead to understand. Some of us asked our club officers to file a protest, but it was decided to just let it blow over. This occurred at dusk well before bedtime and they did not want to cause the club any problems...

Jack R · 07-05-2011, 11:18 AM

Nuge

I'm sorry for thinking your group was loaded with preverts. However, I still feel this should be reported to the police. Let them sort out at what level this should go.

jack

LadyFitz... · 07-05-2011, 11:25 AM

If it had happened to me I would have filed a police report. If they had done it to my kids, I would have gone to jail because I would have been all over them like fleas on a stray dog. No one, not even the police, have the right to go peaking in widows without a warrant!

SyrenSkywolf · 07-05-2011, 12:09 PM

The level of authority they are given has been an issue for years. The older class rarely exercised their full potential, similar to the old class cops who walked the beat. Newer ones are more high strung in their early years, and tend to use their full authority whenever they can. I remember being at a seminar where a police captain mentioned that younger cops are like this for years before they finally settle down.

There is a reason why DNR officers are widely viewed as scum and potential target practice in certain areas. Word of advice: If you ever visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, if you value your skin, never mention liking the DNR if you DO happen to like them!