Investigative and Enforcement Services (IES) - Investigative Services |
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IES has evolved into an efficiently operated investigations and enforcement program within APHIS. The investigators ensure that all cases are documented and tracked appropriately to assist processing at the agency and Department. To achieve a high degree of compliance with APHIS regulations in the field, this professional investigative staff operates from 2 regional offices, one located in Fort Collins, CO, and the other in Raleigh, NC. Finally, the Headquarters Staff located in Riverdale, MD processes the proposed enforcement actions, and offers a readily accessible reference to assist with interpreting laws, regulations, or program policy. IES' primary clients in APHIS are the Animal Care, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Veterinary Services, and the Biotechnology Regulatory Services programs.
Though IES investigators gather information and evidence about all alleged violations of agricultural health and animal welfare regulations, the demand for IES services has grown beyond that of merely producing an investigative or "case" report. Just this past year (2002) IES added a 6 person intelligence unit to their organizational talents. The increase in international travel, creation of international trade agreements, and gradual reduction of travel barriers for agricultural products has produced a major economic impact on U.S. agriculture. With this new unit, IES is now positioned within APHIS to gather "intelligence" on animal and plant movements and relevant industry trends, thus allowing agency regulatory officials to more effectively protect American agriculture.
Last Modified: October 18, 2007