Part 8/15:
For years, game wardens like Norris were tasked with this complex assignment despite limited training, resources, or legal authority. Their work was traditionally focused on wildlife regulation—checking fishing licenses, preventing poaching—not engaging in cartels armed with military-grade weapons.
In fact, the first gunfight in which Norris was involved marked a turning point. The violence pushed law enforcement to create specialized tactical units, such as California’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET), which Norris co-founded. These units are now trained like SWAT teams, combining law enforcement, wildlife expertise, and tactical skills.