NCJ Number
237283
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2011 Pages: 179-201
Date Published
September 2011
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article examines criminology and illegal waste activity.
Abstract
The illegal treatment and trade of waste is an international problem which is widely assumed to be both evolving and growing. Emergent forms of criminality such as this often have the problem of data being in scarce supply, and as a result are difficult to study, and subsequently understand. In this paper the authors introduce the methodological concept of script analysis to assist a more objective assessment and understanding of illegal waste activity. This includes using crime scripts in two ways; to help identify data requirements, and as a tool to analyze illegal waste processes. The authors illustrate the utility of this methodology using waste electrical and electronic equipment. In doing so, the authors argue that this approach elicits a specific, focused account of what illegal activity has occurred, and nests it within the wider context of the waste management system. The authors anticipate that using this methodology will provide academics and practitioners a means of enhancing the investigation, detection and prevention of illegal waste activity. (Published Abstract)