NCJ Number
201645
Date Published
2002
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from a questionnaire on environmental criminality distibuted to countries in the Baltic Sea region during 2001.
Abstract
Reporting countries include Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. The Task Force on Organized Crime in the Baltic Sea Region decided in 2001 to extend its mandate to include environmental criminality; as such, the questionnaire was distributed to gain more knowledge of the scope of environmental criminality in the region. The focus of the Task Force is on oil pollution at sea and the export of hazardous waste. Information gained from the questionnaire varies greatly as the member states answered according to their different national legislation and law enforcement structures. Generally, the questionnaire revealed that member states consider combating environmental criminality to be of great importance and, accordingly, environmental pollution is defined as a criminal offense in these states. Not only are violators subject to criminal punishment, environmental pollution also carries liability for damages. Member states are already cooperating to combat such criminality, and several states have bi- or trilateral agreements in place. The number of authorities involved in environmental criminality is seen as a hinderance to efficient enforcement; the appointment of national single points of contact is recommended. Another issue for consideration is the exchange of information between the member states. Improving cross-sectorial cooperation should enhance enforcement of environmental legislation in the region. As a result of the complexity of legislation involved in environmental criminality, close partnerships between police, prosecutors, and environmental authorities is recommended for the best outcome. Finally, education about environmental laws and criminality should be considered for law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Questionnaire responses are presented for each participating country in different chapters of the report.