The Anatomy of Enforcement: A Comparative Analysis of Waste Crime Investigations

• In Event: Green Criminology II: Attitudes, Enforcement and Governance

Abstract

Waste crime, encompassing illegal activities such as dumping, improper site management, trafficking, and water pollution, presents a significant challenge to global environmental sustainability and public health. Despite its impact, and compared to other conventional types of crime, there exists a notable gap in empirical research regarding the procedures employed by law enforcement agencies in investigating waste crime. This research seeks to address this gap by conducting a comparative analysis of waste crime investigations across different jurisdictions. We collected judicial documents and cases relating to waste crimes. Based on these documents, we conducted content analysis to explore the primary features of police investigations on waste crimes and to compare the variations in investigative practices across the selected countries. The findings reveal a complex landscape where the effectiveness of investigation is hampered by resource limitations, legal ambiguities, and insufficient international cooperation. This research identifies the need to strive towards standardised investigative procedures, enhanced interagency collaboration, and the adoption of new technologies to improve the detection and prosecution of waste crimes. By comparing investigative practices across jurisdictions, this study highlights best practices and offers recommendations for strengthening the global response to waste crime.

Authors

• Phillip William Screen, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Serena Favarin, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore