§ 113-55.1. Powers of forest law-enforcement officers.

§ 113‑55.1.  Powersof forest law‑enforcement officers.

The Secretary is authorized to appoint as many forest law‑enforcementofficers as he deems necessary to carry out the forest law‑enforcementresponsibilities of the Department.  Forest law‑enforcement officersshall have all the powers and the duties of a forest ranger enumerated in G.S.113‑54 and 113‑55.  Forest law‑enforcement officers shall, inaddition to their other duties, have the powers of peace officers to enforcethe forest laws.  Any forest law‑enforcement officer may arrest, withoutwarrant, any person or persons committing any crime in his presence or whomsuch officer has probable cause for believing has committed a crime in hispresence and bring such person or persons forthwith before a district court orother officer having jurisdiction.  Forest law‑enforcement officers shallalso have authority to obtain and serve warrants including warrants forviolation of any duly promulgated rule of the Department. (1975, c. 620, s. 3; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; 1983, c. 327,s. 5; 1989, c. 727, s. 64.)