(New Philadelphia, OH) – MWCD announced on Wednesday that it has been recognized for excellence in policy management and training in 2022 by Lexipol!

Enjoying the Outdoors is brought to you in partnership with Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. 

On Wednesday, January 25th, 2023, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) announced that it has been recognized for excellence in policy management and training in 2022 by Lexipol. Lexipol is the nation’s leading provider of policy, training, and wellness support for first responders and public servants.

The Lexipol Connect program tracks MWCD law enforcement performance on five metrics proven to measure success in policy management. MWCD achieved Gold recognition for consistent and effective policy dissemination to personnel, timely policy updates as laws change, and officer training on policies.

“I am very proud of the Ranger Department for this recognition,” says Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. “MWCD’s excellence in policy and policy training enhances community safety by ensuring consistent, effective response based on national best practices. We are proud to be recognized by Lexipol Connect for continuously improving professionalism and safety.”

In 2021, the ranger department also received the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Agency Certification. To obtain the certification, agencies must meet statewide standards set by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, and the Ohio Collaborative Law Enforcement Agency Certification Program.

MWCD Rangers are required to be certified police officers within the State of Ohio and have full police powers on MWCD property and adjacent property. To become a certified Police Officer, they must complete the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy.  The requirements include intense training on Ohio Laws, Search and Seizure, Self Defense Training, Use of Force Training, Firearms, Pursuit Driving, Human Behaviors, De-escalation Techniques, Diversity, First Aid, and numerous other topics.  The MWCD employs 34 Rangers who are guided by professional policies written by Lexipol and nationally recognized as Best Practices for Law enforcement Agencies.

The job duties for a MWCD Ranger can vary daily from patrolling camp areas, cottage areas, and lakes, to providing Ohio Boater or Hunter Education Courses to the community. They also conduct safety checks, respond to noise complaints and criminal violations, and assist other nearby agencies. Lake Rangers complete vessel inspections, investigate boating accidents, and patrol the waterways to ensure safety.

“Our rangers are committed to ensuring the safety of our guests who visit the MWCD lakes and surrounding communities,” said Scott Barnhart, Interim MWCD Chief Ranger. “Our Rangers are committed to delivering a standard of excellence through their policy management efforts that reduce risk for personnel and those we serve.”

For more information, visit www.mwcd.org or www.lexipol.com.

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