Park Rangers, subject to the policies of the Commission, shall:

1. Obtain a commission as an officer or employee pursuant to the certification specified in Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes and by the Division of State Parks;

2. Secure the parks and property of the Department and maintain law and order therein;

3. Maintain the powers of peace officers except the serving or execution of civil process, have in all parts of the state the same powers with respect to criminal matters and enforcement of the laws relating thereto as sheriffs, highway patrolmen and police officers in their respective jurisdictions and possess all immunities and matters of defense now available or hereafter made available to sheriffs, the highway patrol, and police officers in any suit brought against them resulting from acts done in the course of their employment;

4. Possess law enforcement jurisdiction over state parks, including all facilities located therein;

5. Serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months. The Division of State Parks Director may extend the probationary period for up to three (3) additional months provided that the employee and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services are notified in writing as to such action and the reasons therefor. At any time during a probationary period the employment of a park ranger may be terminated in accordance with Department procedure and at the discretion of the Director of State Parks. Retention of the employee, after expiration of the probationary period, shall entitle the employee to be classified as a permanent employee;

6. Provide law enforcement protection and enforcement pursuant to the terms of interlocal agreements authorized by the Commission with other entities of government or federally recognized tribes in the state; and

7. Remain in the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System if promoted to the Park Manager job family classification series, provided they maintain their certification specified in Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, perform the requisite training required by the Chief Park Ranger, and meet all other requirements, policies, and rules of the Department and laws of the state.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 363, § 17, eff. Nov. 1, 2005. Amended by Laws 2012, c. 304, § 990.