Leave No Trace? Crime and Conservation in U.S. National Parks

• In Event: Causes and Consequences of Environmental Crime and Injustice: Developments in Green Criminology

Abstract

Policing and crime in National Parks is demonstrably different than compared to local police departments and crime issues. Rangers must contend with very specific crime problems, from issues like littering to extremely serious missing persons cases. As it pertains to left behind waste, damaging monuments, or otherwise being disrespectful to the environment, conservation is also a crucial component of a National Park Ranger’s time and focus. Here, the broader concepts of environmental justice are important, as they connect to how Park Rangers perceive their jobs and enforce rules in National Parks, particularly when it comes to education of the public. This qualitative study, based on observations and interviews in National Parks, delves into how crime is understood in National Parks across the United States, including which crime problems are most relevant, and how this connects to theory on green criminology, conservation, and environmental justice. Many Park Rangers focus their day-to-day activities on education and conservation, and this is remarkably different to how other police officers view their work and authority. As such, this research examines how effective these strategies centering on conservation and environmental justice are in maintaining social control in National Parks, especially in the new political context.

Authors

• Ashley K. Farmer, Illinois State University

• David C. Lane, Illinois State University