|
|
The
Environmental Crimes Unit operates
primarily in the National Parks of the District of Columbia
and the Environs of the District (the 10 surrounding counties
and
cities within Virginia and Maryland). The Organic Act
of 1916, created a mission statement for the National Park
Service
“… to conserve the scenery and the
natural and historical objects and the wildlife therein and
to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and
by such
means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future
generations.” The goal of the unit is to enforce
the criminal provisions of environmental, cultural, and natural
resource laws that will compliment and enhance the mission
directive of the Organic Act. As Federal Trustees assigned to protect
the natural resources within their care, the detectives and investigators
of the unit, work closely with special agents of the FBI, EPA
and federal On Scene Coordinators to target potential responsible
parties and violators of Illegal Dumping, Clean Water, Clean
Air, Rivers and Harbors, Arson, Boundary Encroachments and Archeological
thefts.The unit members assist and train Force members and law
enforcement officers from local police departments with understanding
the environmental laws as they relate to police patrol tactics
and criminal behaviors. Additionally, the unit processes
and analyzes trends and patterns of criminal behaviors affecting
the natural resources of the National Parks of DC and its Environs. The
unit routinely works with special agents of the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service and local game wardens to prevent
flora and wildlife poaching. |
|
HOME
PAGE
|
