The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) is responsible for protecting the environment and natural resources in British Columbia. Conservation officers are peace officers, armed, and enforce 6 federal statutes and 25 provincial statutes, including the Species at Risk Act, Liquor Control and Licensing Act, Wildlife Act and Environmental Management Act.

The Province of BC states: "Conservation Officers are highly trained, dedicated individuals [...] they hold Special Provincial Constable Status under the Police Act and have unrestricted appointment to enforce Acts and Statues, and protect the public and preserve the peace. They work with private and public partners such as the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations Resource Officers, the RCMP, Environment Canada, the Department of Fisheries, First Nations, and local and provincial stakeholders to reduce human-wildlife conflict."

The COS is headquartered at Victoria and operates out of 44 office locations. The COS is involved in outreach and education, compliance monitoring and verification, public reporting, investigations and enforcement actions.

On July 1, 1905, British Columbia established the department for the Protection of Game and Forests, hired the first game and forest warden which eventually grew into the BCCOS today.

From 1918 to 1929, game wardens were abolished and the British Columbia Provincial Police took over the responsibility of enforcing wildlife legislations.

In 1961, game wardens were officially renamed "conservation officers".

In 1980, Conservation Officer Services became a distinct part of the ministry.

In 1983, conservation officers are appointed as special provincial constable. Up until 1987, all COs were males.