The Law Enforcement Program of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection should be continued because it benefits the state by helping protect natural resources.
The department should outsource some of its park patrol services. Park patrol officers spend most of their time on routine patrol services that could be performed by officers that do not have extensive, specialized training in environmental laws and regulations.
To improve efficiency and effectiveness, we recommend that the department ensure that criteria for determining whether violations merit a criminal investigation are clearly communicated and adhered to by district regulatory employees.
To assess the outcomes and quality of investigations, the department should track outcomes of cases referred for prosecution.

Progress Report: DEP Addresses Some Recommendations; Still Lacks an Integrated Law Enforcement Information System
Report 04-76 November 2004

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.