The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division has achieved national accreditation through the North American Wildlife Law Enforcement Accreditation (NAWLEA) program, agency officials announced.
The Division formally accepted the honor during an Oct. 28 ceremony at the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
The NAWLEA accreditation establishes national standards specifically designed for agencies enforcing wildlife, fisheries, boating, and natural resource regulations. To achieve accreditation, agencies undergo a rigorous evaluation of operational policies, officer safety, evidence management, investigations, training, and overall administration.
SCDNR initiated its accreditation review in 2024, culminating in an on-site assessment in October 2026. Assessors praised the agency’s staff and officers for their professionalism throughout the evaluation.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects the dedication and professionalism of our officers and staff across the agency,” said SCDNR Law Enforcement Deputy Director Chisolm Frampton. “I am incredibly proud of our accreditation team and everyone who contributed to this achievement.”
With the recognition, SCDNR becomes only the fourth conservation law enforcement agency in the nation to receive NAWLEA accreditation, joining state agencies in Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. Agency leadership emphasized that the designation establishes a benchmark for maintaining consistent operational excellence and protecting South Carolina’s natural resources.
