Criminal Enforcement: Special Agents
EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is the law enforcement division within EPA. CID’s Special Agents are highly trained, sworn law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry weapons and make arrests for federal offenses against the nation’s environmental and other federal laws in accordance with the guidelines established by the Attorney General of the United States (18 U.S.C. Section 3063). Typical enforcement areas we investigate include illegal disposal of hazardous waste, illegal discharges to waters of the U.S., illegal emissions into the air, and other associated general crimes such as false statements, fraud, and conspiracy.
Special Agents will see a case through the entire investigative process, which is a significant responsibility requiring leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills coupled with sound judgement. Special Agents conduct arrests, searches, and evidence seizures including the collection and preservation of physical and digital evidence. Special agents analyze allegations, complaints, and referrals to identify potential crimes and determine the approach needed to evaluate allegations. Special Agents interview witnesses, suspects and others, and testify as witnesses before grand juries, trial courts, or other legal proceedings. They routinely work with attorneys within EPA, the nation’s U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and the Department of Justice.
Some cases investigated by CID involve instances where the environment or individual(s) are harmed. These individuals are potential victims. Special Agents, in coordination with CID’s National Victim Witness Coordinator, notify and coordinate with potential victims. Alleged crimes that may impact communities are an investigative priority.
Special Agents come from various backgrounds and career fields. Examples of education and career backgrounds include environmental science, engineering, technology and other STEM fields, criminal justice and criminology, law, accounting, liberal arts, military, and local law enforcement. Throughout the investigation process, these varied backgrounds and career fields complement each other and contribute greatly to successful outcomes.
Some CID Special Agents have specialized duties, like those who provide protection of the Administrator of EPA and those who seize digital evidence and conduct forensic examinations of such evidence. Additionally, there are Special Agents within CID who are assigned to specialized teams, such as our National Criminal Enforcement Response Team (NCERT), which supports investigations involving chemical, biological, or radiological hazards and evidence and specialized law enforcement services in support of EPA investigations and emergency responses. Many Special Agents also have collateral duties such as firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, or physical fitness coordinator.