Authority and Jurisdiction

Missouri State Park Rangers

State Park Ranger directing traffic around a traffic stop

State Park Rangers' authority and jurisdiction is derived from Chapter 253.065 RSMO. Each park ranger employed by the director of the Department of Natural Resources shall be certified by the director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, as provided in Chapter 590, RSMO. Each person shall take an oath of office to perform his/her duties faithfully and impartially and shall be given a certificate of commission as a peace officer for state parks. The commission shall grant him/her the same powers as other peace officers to maintain order, preserve the peace and make arrests for violations of law on all land and property under the jurisdiction and control of the director and on all state and county highways within the boundaries of state parks.

Helpful Resources

State Park Rangers

Mission / Value Statement

Ranger History

Park Watch Program

Safety Tips

Park Rules and Regulations

Missouri State Statutes

Missouri State Park Rangers Photos

Employment Information

Contact a Missouri State Park Ranger

573-751-9263

Staff within the Director's Office coordinate information to the public and provide guidance on issues of policy, affirmative action, risk management, real estate and lease transactions. (This number is only monitored during normal business hours, excluding state holidays.)