32-1051. Law enforcement officers' duties. (a) It shall be the duty of all conservation officers and deputy conservation officers of the wildlife, parks and tourism conservation service and all law enforcement officers authorized to enforce the laws of this state to diligently inquire into and prosecute all violations of the wildlife, parks and tourism laws of this state and rules and regulations of the secretary. Any such officers having knowledge or notice of any such violation shall forthwith make complaint before a court of competent jurisdiction and venue. No such officer making complaint shall be liable for costs unless it is found by the court or jury that the complaint was filed for malicious purposes and without probable cause.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the use of warnings or the issuance of warning tickets, in lieu of making a complaint, when circumstances warrant.

History: L. 1911, ch. 198, § 31; R.S. 1923, 32-131; L. 1974, ch. 446, § 15; L. 1989, ch. 118, § 137; L. 1993, ch. 185, § 12; L. 2012, ch. 47, § 66; July 1.