NCJ Number
131232
Journal
Kriminalist Volume: 22 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1990) Pages: 385
Date Published
1990
Length
1 page
Annotation
The article argues that environmental protection in East Germany is inadequate and suggests the creation of an environmental police patterned after West German units.
Abstract
Although the East German government already includes several environmental protection agencies, enforcing the increasingly strict environmental laws lacks a dedicated force. A coherent system of environmental police agencies should consist of (1) volunteers from natural protection agencies, water agencies, relevant government agencies, and interested political parties, (2) already existing specialized police forces such as water police, traffic police, fire fighters, and specialists on toxic substances, and (3) criminal investigators who are experienced in investigating toxic substances, fires, and other catastrophes. The West Berlin Criminal Police, which includes several departments for environmental protection, could serve as a model organization. The collaboration between police specialists and local police must be so close that citizens feel free to report environmental offenses to any police officer. Furthermore, a university curriculum for environmental police specialists must be developed; the West German expertise and equipment could add valuable assistance in this effort.