Chapter Overview

        Conventional wisdom says that crime is fundamentally, if not almost exclusively, an urban phenomenon. Yet, as with most matters, some aspects of crime do not immediately meet the eye. In the United States, 17 percent of farms—or roughly one in every five—are located within Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), and thus crime on and against them contributes to the magnitude of reported crime in urban areas. In addition, some crimes committed against wildlife, for example, have significant economic value. Poaching grizzly bears, polar bears, and elk, for skin, meat and other parts of the animals, can yield thousands of dollars on several markets. A single instance of crime against wildlife, therefore, may produce more profit to the offender than does a single episode of conventional crimes such as burglary, robbery, or larceny. Similar to crimes against wildlife, agricultural crimes such as theft of agrichemicals, cattle and horse rustling, and tack theft can be equally profitable for criminals.

        Investigations of wildlife and livestock crimes may be particularly challenging to criminal investigators. While investigative and surveillance techniques such as uniformed patrol, intensive hunting patrols, and covert investigations may help deter and effectively reduce wildlife offences, wildlife officers generally spend only about 20 percent of their time in law enforcement activities. Further, in livestock crimes it is not uncommon for livestock to be stolen, transported, and disposed of before the theft is discovered. While the theft of horses may be discovered in a day to two weeks, the theft of range cattle may go undetected for months. Livestock investigation may also be unfamiliar territory to the uniformed office, who may not recognize various aspects of livestock identification, breeds, scars, marks, tattoos, and brands.

        The third section of this chapter is devoted to environmental crimes, such as those involving the illegal treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste. Not only are these crimes a significant threat to public health; they also affect outdoor recreation, and wildlife. The purpose of this chapter is to call attention to the nature and extent of crimes against agriculture, wildlife, and the environment and to provide information regarding their investigation.