Law Enforcement

DNR Law Enforcement Officers, also referred to as Natural Resource Officers, are sworn law enforcement professionals who patrol Utah's vast backcountry and waterways. On average, each officer covers 385,000 square acres, which is about twice the size of New York City. Officers provide protection for natural resources, including wildlife, trails and waterways and the recreators who enjoy them.

The DNR Division of Law Enforcement was formally established in January 2025 and is a unification of law enforcement from four divisions:

Unification is underway, with full integration by 2028. (View the timeline.)

The unification process

DNR administration and a committee of law enforcement representatives from DNR’s divisions with law enforcement programs spent a year evaluating its law enforcement structure and concluded a unification would improve services and efficiencies. The unification was formalized in HB 469, which passed during the 2024 General Legislative Session, and is a reorganization of existing positions.

DNR law enforcement officer riding a patrol boat

Education

DNR Law Enforcement Officers are dedicated to protecting Utah's natural resources and ensuring the safety of our constituents while they recreate. To fulfill this mission, officers will actively participate in the delivery of boating, hunting and off-highway vehicle safety education programs, and strive to create a safe and enjoyable recreational experience for all stakeholders.

Hunter Education

Learn more

Boating Education

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Off-highway vehicles (OHVs)

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Aquatic Invasive Species

Learn more

Connect

Officer feedback

We set high standards for our law enforcement officers. How are we doing?

GRAMA requests

Submit a general online request or a wildlife violation background check.

Become an officer

Make a difference, spend time outdoors, face new challenges every day.

Other questions? Contact us at [email protected].

UTiP

Call the Utah Turn in a Poacher hotline

If you witness an in-progress wildlife violation — or you're aware of a previously committed wildlife crime — please contact DNR Law Enforcement Officers immediately using the UTiP hotline.

Call 800-662-3337

Tips for how to be a good witness

Leadership

Todd Royce

Director/Chief
[email protected]opens in a new tab | 801-538-4894opens in a new tab

The passage of H.B. 469 during the 2024 Legislative Session authorized the creation of a new Division of Law Enforcement within the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Todd Royce was appointed as the inaugural chief of the division in July 2024.

Chief Royce brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to the role. He has served as DNR’s law enforcement director since 2018, overseeing the law enforcement officers in four agencies: Wildlife Resources; State Parks; Outdoor Recreation; and Forestry, Fire and State Lands. Prior to joining DNR, Royce spent 23 years at the Utah Department of Public Safety in various capacities, including as a public information officer, trooper, sergeant and lieutenant. He holds a degree in criminal justice from Salt Lake Community College.

Wyatt Bubak

Deputy Chief
[email protected]opens in a new tab | 801-538-4894opens in a new tab

Chad Bettridge

Major, Conservation Officers
[email protected]opens in a new tab | 801-538-4894opens in a new tab

Major Chad Bettridge, a 23-year veteran of law enforcement within the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, leads the Conservation Officers. Prior to this appointment, he served as chief of the DWR Law Enforcement Section during the transition to the DNR Division of Law Enforcement. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in outdoor resource management from the University of Utah and a Master of Science degree in public administration from Utah Valley University.

Steve Bullock

Major, Ranger Section
[email protected]opens in a new tab | 801-538-4894opens in a new tab

Major Steve Bullock leads the Ranger section, where his team focuses on education, user safety and enforcement across Utah’s boating waters, OHV trail systems, and State Parks. With extensive public safety experience across Utah’s recreational landscapes, Major Bullock has served as the Chief of Law Enforcement for the Division of Outdoor Recreation, as well as a Park Ranger, Park Manager, and Lieutenant within the State Park system.

His career is driven by a deep love and appreciation for Utah’s exceptional outdoor spaces and a commitment to supporting those who enjoy them responsibly. Bullock holds a master of science in Natural Resources Recreation from Virginia Tech and a BS in Recreation Resource Management from Utah State University.

Law Enforcement

The unification process

Education

Hunter Education

Boating Education

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs)

Aquatic Invasive Species

Connect

Officer feedback

GRAMA requests

Become an officer

UTiP

Call the Utah Turn in a Poacher hotline

Leadership

Todd Royce

Wyatt Bubak

Chad Bettridge

Steve Bullock

Public-facing law enforcement policies