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Return to Article: Oversight of law enforcement programs at Interior lagging, report says

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  As a falconer and raptor breeder, I have had the opportunity to deal with FWS LE personnel for some time now. I have had no problems with the local wildlife inspectors in El Paso, nor with Region personnel in Albuquerque, but I've had nothing but problems with the International Office (CITES) EVERY time I've had to deal with them. As a retired Army officer, I had no idea that a law enforcement agency in this country could treat me the way these people have, requiring me to follow FWS regulations to the letter yet ignoring the same regulations themselves and making up rules to deny me permits, when no such rules exist. But more surprising than the lack of supervision of the people abusing my rights as a citizen, is the lack of accountability. They clearly understand they can do whatever they want, make up illogical excuses or reasons for denying a permit, and get away with it without fear of action being taken against them. I notified the Ass't Director for International, Ms. Saito, explaining the situation and offering her the opportunity to recover and correct the problem. She had no interest and took no action. I then wrote a letter to the Director of FWS, Mr. Dale Hall, and got no response. Apparently Director Hall and his staff are quite content with the way his LE people conduct business but I know of many citizens who aren't happy at all with the performance, and it's an added insult that my tax dollars are spent to pay the wages of such people.

  Bill Meeker Posted August 13, 2008 6:08 AM