Law Enforcement and Investigations

Transcription

1 Law Enforcement and Investigations David L. Ferrell Director

2 Forest Service Mission To Sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation s Forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

3 193 Million Acres, 9.5% of Continental United States 155 National Forests/20 National Grasslands 383,000 Miles of Road > 36,000 authorized activities (pipelines, water treatment, power lines, hydrodams, elec. Sites, etc.) > 500 Million Visits/Year > 1,000 miles of contiguous NFS along international borders Multiple Use Concept 50% of Western Water Supply > 30,000 Employees Nationwide (approx. 735 field law enforcement personnel)

4 Chief of the Forest Service Director, LEI Executive Assistant Deputy Director Special Agents in Charge Regions 1-10 Asst. Director Training/FLETC (Detached) Assistant Special Agent in Change Regions 1-10 Regional Patrol Commanders Regions 1-10 Assistant Director Investigations Special Agents Regions 1-10 Captains Regions 1-10 Assistant Director Enforcement Assistant Director Business Operations Law Enforcement Officers- 609 Special Agents- 126 Administration- 105 Total- 841 Law Enforcement Officers Regions 1-10

5 Regional Offices Headquarters and FLETC

6 Uniformed Law Enforcement Officers (GL-1801 & 1802) enforce Federal laws and regulations governing NFS lands and resources, as well as provide for public and employee safety. They establish a regular and recurring presence on the vast amount of public lands, roads, and recreation sites. (Approx. 609 enforcement LEO s) Preliminary Investigations Adjudicate Misdemeanor Violations Controlled Substance Enforcement Crime Prevention Search and Rescue Crimes in Progress Accident Investigation Hazardous Materials General Patrol Medical Emergencies

7 Special Agents (GS 1811) are criminal investigators who plan and conduct complex investigations concerning possible violations of criminal law and administrative provisions of the Forest Service Timber/forest product theft Illegal outfitter and guiding Theft of government property Domestic or Eco-Terrorism Manufacture and distribution of controlled substances Investigations of wildland arson and fire origins Theft/damage of archeological sites Assault of federal employees or volunteers

8 Significant Law Enforcement Issues Illegal Drug Activities (smuggling, production) Wildland Fire Investigations Timber and Forest Product Theft and Protests ARPA Large Groups Events (Rainbow Family, Sturgis) Homeland Security (infrastructure and border) Wildlife and Outfitter Guide Investigations

9 Incident and Case Stats Cases Incidents Cases 2,730 2,668 2,712 2,489 1,657 Incidents 202, , , , ,333

10 Timber theft enforcement and investigations continue to be an emphasis within LEI, from complex cases to localized theft of fuel wood and other forest products. Coordination with LEI and NFS Forest Mgt. National Timber Theft Training Curriculum Tracer Paint Security Committee Timber Theft Prevention Plans WO LEI Liaison assigned to Regional Timber Audit Reviews DNA Technology

11 Techniques for Investigations Match stumps to logs ( cookies ) Working with mills (receipts, names) Timber staff for Identification and timber values.

12 Techniques for Investigations (continued) Theft Prevention Plots Future DNA testing Timber Theft Plans

13 Investigation Obstacles to Overcome Locating theft sight Stumps are often covered up Determining where timber is taken to be sold Lack of proper boundary marking Surveillance of site

14 Investigation Obstacles to Overcome (cont) Mills tipping off loggers Remoteness of theft Illegal roads built off private land Prosecution of Offenders Valuating timber for prosecution Communications

15 Wildlife enforcement and investigations continue to be an emphasis within LEI, from complex interstate trafficking cases to localized poaching and other violations of wildlife laws. Coordinate with state and local wildlife enforcement agencies Work with tips received through hotline calls Surveillance of suspects and known areas Use U.S. Fish and Wildlife forensics lab for DNA testing

16 Techniques for Investigation Observation of known poaching areas Ballistics matching (matching of bullet to weapon) Undercover agents DNA testing

17 Techniques for Investigation (continued) Decoy Operations Internet Outfitters, illegal sale of parts Use of Hotline phone numbers

18 Incident Reporting and Sources of Information Incidents and cases may be developed from observations of officers and agents in the field. Many incidents and cases developed by reports from general public of violations or suspicious activity. Cooperators and other agencies also refer or report information. Information also received through anonymous reporting or tip lines.

19 Incident Reporting and Sources of Information Community Policing philosophy and relationships with local communities and the public increases reporting. Developing a level of trust between law enforcement and the public increases the exchange of information. Law enforcement routinely follows up on information and reports from the public providing reassurance that something will be done. Additional eyes and ears in the field makes our job much easier.

20 Incident Reporting and Sources of Information Tip lines or websites may be established in known areas of illegal activity: Websites can contain reporting formats and other information for contacting law enforcement Signs can be posted with contact information Those reporting can remain anonymous if desired Rewards can be offered to individuals with tips that lead to arrests (Forest Service and State/Local)

21 Incident Reporting and Sources of Information Use of Confidential Informants Flipped suspects Concerned citizens that want to assist law enforcement Public Out Reach Attend Wildlife/Timber Organization meetings Attend local community meetings Press Conferences with State and Local

22 Questions? USDA Forest Service LEI 1621 N. Kent St Suite 1015 Arlington, VA Main Office