Gov. Cox swears in 140 officers in newly created DNR Division of Law Enforcement

Salt Lake City — Gov. Spencer J. Cox administered the oath of office to 140 officers in the newly created Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement during a ceremony Monday morning at the Capitol Rotunda.

"This unification will improve the delivery of law enforcement and public safety services while safeguarding the treasured cultural, natural and outdoor recreational resources that contribute immeasurably to our quality of life," said Gov. Cox. "I appreciate the efforts of these officers who serve and protect our natural resources and the public who enjoy them."

DNR administration and a committee of law enforcement representatives spent a year evaluating the department's existing law enforcement structure and concluded a unification would improve services and efficiencies. The unification was formalized in HB 469, which passed during the 2024 General Legislative Session, resulting in a reorganization of existing law enforcement positions.

"In recent years, law enforcement nationwide has experienced significant challenges," said DNR Division of Law Enforcement Chief Todd Royce. "Now is the right time to unify all of DNR's law enforcement into one division. Unification helps ensure we are serving the public and representing the department in the most efficient, consistent and effective manner possible. It will also provide better training, resources and opportunities for our officers."

Royce brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to the new division. He has served as DNR's law enforcement director since 2018, overseeing the law enforcement officers in four agencies: Wildlife Resources; State Parks; Outdoor Recreation; and Forestry, Fire and State Lands. Before joining DNR, Royce spent 23 years at the Utah Department of Public Safety.

"I am honored to serve in this role with a great team of dedicated law enforcement professionals," said Royce.

For more information, visit the law enforcement webpage and view the unification timeline.