NCJ Number
141868
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The Los Angeles County Environmental Crimes Strike Force uses a coordinated approach to investigating and prosecuting environmental groups by combining the resources of two groups, regulatory agencies and law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
Several other agencies also have important roles in the effort. Although the main agencies initially had differing perspectives on the problem, they have become powerful in the increasing efforts to deal with environmental offenses. The Strike Force relies on informal leadership and interagency cooperation rather than formal designation of one agency as the lead agency. However, some members of the Strike Force believe that some cases would move more efficiently if one agency were asked to take charge. Criteria used to decide whether to handle an incident administratively or through prosecution include the seriousness of the violation, the intent of the violator, the amount and toxicity of the substances involved, and the environmental record of the individual or firm. Many aspects of this program may be relevant to jurisdictions wishing to develop environmental crime units and could help them develop similarly active approaches to environmental crime. Charts, photographs, and notes