NCJ Number
92555
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 52 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1983) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1983
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In 1978 Michigan officials formed an Environmental Enforcement Division within the State's Department of Natural Resources, combining the expertise of technical, legal, and investigative personnel to investigate and prosecute environmental and toxic materials cases.
Abstract
Four investigators assigned to work with experts in various technical and scientific fields make up a highly effective unit aimed at reducing the number and severity of public health and environmental violations. Their tasks include developing new enforcement techniques, establishing rapport with technical experts, convincing prosecutors and State attorneys that the program and the cases are valuable, and ensuring that all personnel adhere to the legalities so that their work can be used in any resulting litigation. They also work with and 'educate' county prosecutors in the program of environmental enforcement, enforce laws which were written in large part by the persons or industries they are designed to regulate, and learning to interpret and enforce discharge permits. To substantiate a case against persons or companies violating environmental laws, an investigator often must gather information that is not readily available or accessible. Physical evidence must be drilled for or dug up. Corporations can make it difficult to interview people or obtain documents. As State resources are just too limited to take on large corporations in litigation that can last for years, negotiations, compromises, and consent agreements are often resorted to instead of actual litigation.