NCJ Number
150726
Date Published
1992
Length
542 pages
Annotation
This training manual is designed to help Massachusetts police officers, fire officials, conservation commissions, health boards, and other officials identify and prosecute environmental crimes.
Abstract
The manual includes an overview of Massachusetts law affecting hazardous waste and materials, solid waste, wetlands, water pollution and sewage, air pollution, asbestos and lead paint, and workplace offenses. The manual also considers the importance of preserving evidence in environmental crimes and crime scene investigations. Issues in the prosecution of environmental crimes are discussed, including criminality, search and seizure, chain of custody, strict liability, corporate responsibility, expert witnesses, reasonable doubt versus scientific certainty, grand jury versus district court prosecutions, evidence, subpoenas, and dispositions. A telephone directory of Massachusetts offices and organizations involved in environmental matters is included. Appendixes contain additional information on the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes. Tables and figures