European Law Enforcement Research Bulletin

Fighting environmental crime is one of the priorities of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats, EMPACT 2022-2025. Preventing and tackling this challenge is a global priority. In order to respond to this challenge, it is paramount to have a network of authorities, agencies, and organisations which can work together in order to deal with this phenomenon. In this network, law enforcement authorities play a vital role. Environmental crime affects the EU’s internal security, particularly due to its cross-border dimension. The multiple risks this phenomenon poses, as well as the emergence of new modus operandi, call for in-depth research to find leading criminalistic practices, knowledge which could be used accordingly to update learning materials at the disposal of law enforcement professionals.

Earlier in 2023, CEPOL organised its first Workshop on Environmental Crime. This activity offered a unique learning and networking opportunity for law enforcement practitioners, academics and researchers. By connecting research findings, developed technologies and tools with law enforcement practices, common efforts can be stepped up in the prevention and fight against environmental crime.

As a follow-up to this initiative, CEPOL will publish a special edition of the European Law Enforcement Research Bulletin dedicated to environmental crime. The aim is to bring together ideas and perspectives of practitioners, trainers and educators, with researchers and academic scholars working in the field; thus facilitating the sharing of knowledge and expertise that can foster broader discussions on this important topic.