Conservation Officer Service - 100 Years of Service

BC Provincial Police Force – Chief Game Inspector

An amended Game Act abolishes the Game Department and sees the BC Provincial Police assume responsibility for the enforcement of fish and wildlife laws. Under the new Act, Provincial Police Constables were designated, by virtue of their office, as “ex-officio” game wardens.

Provincial Game Warden A. Bryan Williams retired, handing control over to William G. McMynn, Superintendent of the Provincial Police. All but 3 former Game Wardens were discharged.

An advisory Game Conservation Board was established to develop provincial policy and direct game management programs.

The number of Fish and Game Associations had grown considerably since the early 1900s, and so their political influence. Their united disapproval with the state of game management resulted in significant amendments to the Game Act, removing the administration of fish and wildlife from the jurisdiction of the BC Provincial Police and the Game Conservation Board.

A. Bryan Williams was recalled from retirement and appointed Game Commissioner under a re-established Game Department.

The Game Department and the BC Provincial Police both fell under the authority of the Ministry of Attorney General and would work in close cooperation until the Provincial Police were disbanded in 1950. For instance, provincial constables retained their designation as “ex-officio” game wardens and, similarly, game wardens were designated as “ex-officio” police constables.

The uniform for both agencies was nearly identical, including Sam Browne belt with cross-strap, holster and revolver. The Game Department was issued its own brass insignia and buttons, and blue epaulets and tie replaced the green worn by provincial police constables.