Rangers range: exploring the needs for and nature of protective staffing in the US national parks

Purpose Although there is considerable research on conservation-oriented crime and policing in other protected spaces, research on national parks remains scarce. This work examines law enforcement in the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-methods case study approach, this research draws on administrative and interview data regarding NPS law enforcement and calls for service as well as law enforcement ranger duties. Findings The number of law enforcement rangers has decreased in the past 2 decades, while the number of park visitors has grown. Increased numbers of NPS sites, including in urban areas, have broadened the range of potential protection needs in the parks, as have other evolving law enforcement duties such as those for homeland security. Existing data provide some indicators of current law enforcement activities but are often incomplete. Research limitations/implications Law enforcement rangers may perform widely ranging tasks, which may not serve all protection needs. Future research should further develop understanding of NPS law enforcement needs and models to meet them. Originality/value Research on the NPS is extraordinarily limited. Through rare research collaboration with the NPS, this work sheds important light on law enforcement workload in the parks as well as preparedness for and responses to crime and other law enforcement needs.