KDWP Statement on Law Enforcement Restructuring
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2026
Media Contact
Laura Rose Clawson, Chief of Public Affairs
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is announcing an update to the Law Enforcement restructuring introduced on January 21, 2026. After considering feedback from staff, the public, legislators, and partners, we will not move forward with decertifying any law enforcement officers or changing reporting lines for officers.
Although the structural changes will not proceed, KDWP will continue the work to strengthen law enforcement operations across the Law Enforcement, Parks, and Public Lands divisions. This includes aligning equipment, training, reporting, hiring standards, and other operational practices to ensure consistent expectations and accountability across all law enforcement.
Strengthening officer safety, public safety, and KDWP’s ability to provide consistent enforcement services is critical. The improvements already identified, and the work still ahead, will ensure that everyone benefits from a coordinated, well-supported law enforcement presence from our agency. KDWP looks forward to continuing to partner with the Legislature and the public on these issues, as funding limitations and the lack of available staff positions are challenges that must still be addressed.
KDWP will move forward with cross divisional collaboration to address the operational challenges and position the agency for future success.
###
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
Printable Version