Turn In a Poacher program gets over 1,000 tips in 2024
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say Hoosiers are reminded that when they see, hear or learn about someone illegally stealing wildlife, known as poaching, there's an easy way to alert authorities – the Turn in a Poacher (TIP) program.The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) says people can help TIP support DNR efforts by reporting potential violations at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367) or at this website. If someone's 'TIP' leads to an arrest, they may receive as much as a $500 reward, or they can remain anonymous if they choose. In 2024, TIP received nearly 1,025 tips and paid thousands of dollars in rewards for tips that led to the arrest of a suspect.
Flooding fears rise as rain swells Ohio River
IDNR says TIP is a nonprofit conservation organization that partners with DNR to protect fish and wildlife resources by increasing public support and involvement in bringing violators to justice.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rokita opinion: Indiana police can arrest unlicensed drivers, including undocumented immigrants
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued a new legal opinion on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, affirming that law enforcement officers can arrest and detain individuals — including undocumented immigrants — who are caught driving without a license. (Getty Images) A new opinion issued this week by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita asserts that law enforcement officers can arrest and detain individuals caught driving without a license — including undocumented immigrants — and book them into a county jail. The Republican attorney general said the opinion, dated June 11, was requested by Jackson County Prosecutor Jeff Chalfant and seeks to address 'a critical public safety issue amid growing concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on Indiana's roads.' Attorney general opinions are legally non-binding. Rokita maintained that drivers who drive without ever having a license — a Class C misdemeanor under Indiana law — cannot be released from a scene because they're unable to provide the information required for a written promise to appear in court. He pointed to a specific state statute allowing traffic offenders to be released without going to jail. But that document must include a valid license number. Because individuals without a license cannot meet that requirement, the opinion concludes they are not eligible for release under state law. By its terms, the (state) statute's release provision does not apply to a person arrested for the misdemeanor of driving without a license. A person who has never been licensed cannot, by definition, provide a driver's license number ... and therefore is not entitled to be released. – opinion issued by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita 'Hoosiers deserve safe streets, and that starts with ensuring those who break our laws face consequences,' Rokita said in a statement. 'This opinion gives our law enforcement guidance to hold accountable anyone, especially illegal aliens, driving without a license — a crime that puts our communities at risk.' In a Friday news release, his office further held that 'illegal aliens operating motor vehicles pose unique and serious safety risks, and that 'booking an illegal alien at a county jail for driving without a license will ensure that federal authorities are notified of the arrest and able to make arrangements to apprehend the alien if they choose to do so.' Rokita noted that driving without ever being licensed is different from driving on a suspended or revoked license — a violation that's typically treated as an infraction, unless the individual is a repeat offender. The opinion clarifies that law enforcement has full authority to arrest and process individuals who have never received a license. The attorney general emphasized, too, that undocumented immigrants are unable to obtain valid driver's licenses in Indiana, and that some use out-of-state licenses that are not recognized by Indiana law. 'Illegal aliens cannot drive on Indiana roadways because they are barred from obtaining valid licenses, but they do it anyway because they don't respect our laws,' Rokita continued in his statement. 'This opinion should provide clarity on law enforcement's ability to detain these offenders, ensuring they face justice rather than being released back onto our streets.' The opinion also cites U.S. Supreme Court precedents affirming law enforcement's ability to arrest for minor criminal offenses and to hold individuals up to 48 hours pending a court determination of probable cause. 8d858822-085a-40cb-ab2c-7f0cf54e6015 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Owensboro police host first ‘police in the park' of the summer
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — The Owensboro Police Department took over Moreland Park Thursday afternoon, all for a good time with the people they serve. OPD says the event encourages open communication between local law enforcement and residents. Patrol officers and detectives grilled free meals, talked and answered questions. One woman says she brought her 5-year-old granddaughter after noticing her uneasiness around police. How would phasing out FEMA impact Kentucky? 'I live in the middle of town, and we don't have a lot of police activity. So, I just want her to feel safe and be able to go up to a policeman and say 'help' if she needs help,' says Susan Hall, who attended the event. A mobile resource unit also offered information on food insecurity, housing, employment, and more. Officials say they hope to host 3 more Police in the Park events before the summer is over. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Secretary of State urges Hoosiers to lookout for scams targeting elderly
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Indiana's Secretary of State, Diego Morales, is warning elderly Hoosiers of scams targeting them. June 15 isn't just Father's Day, but it is also known as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Indiana Securities Division, which Morales oversees, works year-round to educate the public on elder abuse, especially when it comes to financial exploitation. They do this through local events at churches, retirement homes, and local civic organizations across the Hoosier State. Scams target seniors as gold prices rise 'We continue to work closely with financial institutions, investment professionals, and law enforcement to protect Indiana's senior citizens,' said Marie Castetter, Indiana Securities Commissioner. 'Knowledge is power—we want to equip older Hoosiers with the information they need to spot red flags and stop scams before they happen.' Some ways the Securities Division recommends to keep the elderly safe from financial exploitation are: Naming a trusted contact on all financial accounts Shredding documents that contain personal information Recognizing common scam tactics such as threats of arrest or demands for payment via wire transfer, crypto ATMS, or gift cards—and hanging up immediately if contacted 'Respecting our senior citizens is a fundamental value,' said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State. 'Unfortunately, some bad actors specifically target our most vulnerable citizens. My office is committed to protecting Hoosier seniors by offering tools and resources to help them and their families avoid these harmful scams.' The Secretary of State's Office is also a member of IN-CASE, the Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation. This group also works to raise awareness among older adults and professionals who work with them. If you are interested in scheduling a fraud prevention presentation, you can call 317-232-6681 for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
