In this particular case, you do realize that this guy is a game-warden...not an actual policeman...right?
Close enough.
Source: FindLaw Blotter
Do Game Wardens Have the Same Powers as Police Officers?
If you live in or have traveled to an area frequented by outdoor enthusiasts, you may come across a game warden, a local state or federal official tasked with enforcing the laws regarding hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation.But what other powers do game wardens have? Are game warden's law enforcement powers limited to issuing citations for hunting out of season, or can they enforce other criminal laws such as DUI?
Do game wardens have the same powers as police?
Can a Game Warden Arrest Me for DUI?
Although a game warden is generally concerned with enforcing laws regarding wildlife, in most states a game warden can, and will, cite you for violation of other laws, such as driving under the influence.In Texas, for example, the Texas Parks and Wildlife code states that Parks and Wildlife Department officers "have the same powers, privileges, and immunities as peace officers" and "have the same authority as a sheriff to arrest, serve criminal or civil process, and require aid in serving criminal or civil process coextensive with the boundaries of this state."
In 2013 celebrity lawyer Erin Brockovich -- portrayed in the eponymous movie about her life by Julia Roberts -- was cited for DUI by a game warden while boating on Nevada's Lake Mead.
Game Wardens May Have Expanded Search Powers
In some instances, game wardens may actually have more power than police officers when it comes to warrantless searches of persons or vehicles.Typically, police officers must have probable cause or consent to search a person or a vehicle without a warrant. A 2012 California Supreme Court case found that even when a game warden lacks reasonable suspicion that a person has violated an applicable fish or game statute or regulation, they may still stop the suspect's vehicle and demand the suspect display any fish or game in the suspect's possession.
So have a healthy legal respect for game wardens, or it may end up costing you.
He IS a policeman.
.
You do realize that game warden’s are official law enforcement officers, and actually have more authority than “plain old cops”? They can come into your house, search the entire thing, all without a warrant, to boot.
/Seriously, if someone reported they saw you shoot a bald eagle, or some other “endangered” species, they have full jurisdiction to tear your house apart looking for said animal, if they believe you may have even possibly did it.
“In this particular case, you do realize that this guy is a game-warden...not an actual policeman...right?”
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Game wardens are mandated LE and wear a uniform. What is your definition of a policeman?