NCJ Number
129286
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 2-5
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A typical environmental crime investigation involving hazardous chemicals involves identifying what hazardous waste is involved and who is responsible for illegal waste disposal and documenting the investigation in order to prove criminal intent.
Abstract
While the chemical industry benefits society, it creates a significant hazardous waste problem. Because of the public's heightened awareness and concern over pollution, environmental crime is gaining the attention of law enforcement personnel. Many States have active environmental crime investigative units. As soon as an environmental crime case is opened, investigators should learn as much as possible about the suspect company. They should also determine what documentation the company is required to maintain so they will know what should be reviewed or inspected when investigators confront the company. Much of the information investigators need is available from State, local, and regulatory agencies. Several investigative techniques are available for use in hazardous waste investigations: stationary, moving, and aerial surveillance to document ongoing criminal activity; long-range photography and closed-circuit television to document probable cause; tracing the origins of drum and barrel markings to manufacturers and purchasers; remote monitoring devices to gather evidence; and consensual monitoring of informants and cooperating witnesses. Investigators should have a support team that consists of technical specialists, equipment operators, health and safety specialists, and regulatory agency personnel. Search warrants are needed to allow investigators to enter private property to obtain samples of hazardous waste. 2 footnotes