(a) There is a Natural Resources Police Force in the Department that serves as a public safety agency with statewide authority to enforce conservation, boating, and criminal laws.
(b) The responsibilities of the Natural Resources Police Force include:
(1) Providing maritime and rural search and rescue services;
(2) Providing public education in hunting, boating, and water safety;
(3) Providing primary law enforcement services for State parks, State forests, wildlife management areas, and public lands owned and managed by the Department; and
(4) Serving as the lead agency for maritime homeland security on State waterways.