New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Marc Gerstman today announced the appointment of Major Joseph H. Schneider to the position of director of the Division of Law Enforcement (DLE). Schneider has served as Acting Director since May. As the new director, Schneider will oversee 268 sworn members of DEC's Division of Law Enforcement. Although empowered to enforce all laws of the state, the enforcement arm of the agency is tasked with protecting the state’s natural resources by enforcing the state’s laws and regulations to protect fish and wildlife, and environmental quality.

“Director Joseph Schneider is a veteran of DEC’s environmental conservation police and has proven himself time and time again as an exceptional and capable leader,” said Acting Commissioner Gerstman. “Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, our highly trained and professional corps of officers stand ready to protect New Yorkers and our magnificent environment. Director Schneider is a consummate professional with a proven ability to lead this unit.”

Major Schneider is a 29-year veteran of the DEC Police, having climbed the ranks from Park Patrol Officer to Supervising Conservation Officer, Regional Captain and most recently as Major in charge of Administration, Communications and Training for the division. He has served in a number of locations throughout New York State and has demonstrated a keen understanding of geographical and programmatic areas.

From his work as a Park Patrol Officer with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to his service as Director of Law Enforcement for the Lake George Park Commission, Director Schneider has shown leadership and understanding for the broad range of environmental laws that DEC administers. Additionally, he was heavily involved in endangered species and native species enforcement as a Captain with the Agency’s Bureau of Environmental Crime Investigations. Director Schneider lives in Greenwich, NY with his wife.

For 135 years, Environmental Conservation Officers in DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement have apprehended New York’s worst environmental offenders and discouraged countless others. DLE continues to play a vital role in New York State's homeland security strategy, especially as it relates to threats against New York’s air, land and water.