The Park Law Enforcement Association's purpose is to improve law enforcement, visitor protection and park operation services through professional development to assure a better quality of life and leisure opportunities and experiences in local, state and national park and recreation areas.
President's Message
I am honored to serve as the newly elected President of the Park Law Enforcement Association (PLEA). I look forward to continuing the excellent work of my predecessors in supporting our profession.
Having just returned from our conference in St. Augustine, Florida, I am highly encouraged by the rangers I met. After connecting with leaders from ranger programs across the country, it is clear that our profession is in good hands. We are also fortunate to have a Board of Directors with a vast amount of experience to lead our organization forward. I am excited for what we will accomplish together.
I would also like to welcome you to PLEA. Since 1979, PLEA has proudly represented the frontline defenders of our natural treasures. With over 2,400 members, we are the largest ranger association in North America.
Whether you are a Park Ranger, Park Police Officer, conservation professional, or non-commissioned employee, our role is unique. We serve as law enforcement, educators, and stewards of the environment. Our mission is to enhance park operations through specialized training, professional networking, and resource protection.
At PLEA, we believe every visitor deserves a safe and welcoming experience. To achieve this, we focus on:
- Specialized Training: Providing supervisors and field officers with best practices to ensure the safety of staff and guests.
- Professional Networking: Creating a national forum to exchange ideas and elevate our profession.
- Resource Protection: Preserving our natural and cultural resources for future generations.
I believe many professionals do not get involved with associations simply because they aren't asked. Today, I am asking you to help lead. To continue our growth, we need members to co-host conferences, facilitate specialized trainings, serve on our Board of Directors, or assist with fundraising for our 501(c)(3) programs.
I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about membership benefits, upcoming conferences, and our latest white papers. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the sacrifices you make every day to protect the people and resources we serve. www.parkranger.com
Together, we are the guardians of our parks.
Best Regards
Josh Campbell
- Home
CONFERENCESConference training sessions are designed to address current trends in park law enforcement and visitor protection. Field trips provide a personal experience to see firsthand how other agencies are managing daily operations and special events. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other park professionals from across the country and learn from each other. | SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
The Park Law Enforcement Association Awards & Scholarship program recognizes the outstanding work and accomplishments of men and woman in the park law enforcement profession throughout North America. We encourage nominations of deserving officers and agencies. | MEMBERSHIPThe Park Law Enforcement Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the park law enforcement and conservation profession through specialized development, thus improving the quality of life and leisure opportunities in and around local, state and national park and recreation areas. |
Law Enforcement in Parks
August 19, 2025 by Jody Maberry
Law Enforcement in Parks with Chip Huth.mp3
"Every contact we have is an opportunity to build or destroy a relationship.”
When Phil Gaines and I first met, it was during a debate about law enforcement in parks. Law enforcement in parks is one of those topics that never lands neatly. It stirs opinions, passion, and often brings more questions than answers.
For this episode, Phil and I were joined by Chip Huth, a retired Kansas City Police major with 30 years of experience and a deep love for the outdoors. Chip understands that while parks exist to preserve beauty and provide experiences, they are not immune to the realities of crime, conflict, and crisis. He reminded us that while the responsibilities of the job matters, so does the way we show up for people.
Chip believes that at its core, law enforcement is about connection over authority. He challenged us to remember that every interaction is a chance to build trust, whether you are leading a SWAT team or guiding a family on a park trail, The way you make people feel matters more than the badge on your chest.
This conversation isn’t full of a bunch of strategies and solutions. And that’s actually on point. Leadership in parks, much like in life, is rarely about perfect answers. It’s about recognizing trade-offs, being open to change, and caring deeply for people. That’s where the real work begins, and that’s what makes conversations about law enforcement in parks worth continuing.
A Look at the Park Law Enforcement Association
AUGUST 4, 2020 BY JODY MABERRY
Today, Lt. Mark Caughlin, District Manager with Larimer County Department of Natural Resources and President of Parks Law Enforcement Association, joins us to discuss his career pathway.
Working within the Colorado county system, Mark explains how his jobs have been impacted by the Fort Collins population boom as well as the coronavirus. He also talks about his responsibilities with Park Law Enforcement Association and how he hopes to inspire more park ranger training programs around the country.
Mark also talks about resource protection and mentorship as cornerstones to excellence in the park ranger industry.
https://parkleaders.com/a-look-at-the-park-law-enforcement-association/
ExpertVoice
PLEA has partnered with ExpertVoice to offer exclusive member benefits to all of you. As a member of PLEA, you are recognized as an expert in your industry which means the world’s top brands want to offer you insider access and exclusive product discounts. Joining ExpertVoice will allow you take advantage of several perks including:
- Exclusive Discounts: Save up to 60% off MSRP on over 500 brands including Vortex, Costa, Benchmade, SMITH, Garmin, and more
- Educational Opportunities: Deepen knowledge with exclusive insights into industry trends
- Direct Brand Interaction: Influence product development through direct feedback
- Community Engagement: Connect with a network of peers and industry experts
Getting started is simple and free:
- Sign up and affiliate via www.expertvoice.com/group/plea
- Complete the application and be sure to verify your account via email
- New and existing users, be sure to update your profile information to unlock the most member benefits
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