USFWS Office of Law Enforcement
Definition
The US Fish and Wildlife Service division responsible for investigating federal wildlife crimes. Its agents enforce the Lacey Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and CITES. It also manages the Ashland forensics laboratory.
- Agency
- US Fish and Wildlife Service division
- Statutes enforced
- Lacey Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, CITES
- Related facility
- Manages the Ashland forensics laboratory
- Personnel
- Special agents and wildlife inspectors
Common questions
How does the Office of Law Enforcement's role differ from the forensics laboratory it manages?+
The office conducts investigations, makes arrests, and inspects wildlife shipments at ports of entry, while the laboratory it oversees performs the scientific species identification and evidence analysis that supports those investigations.
Does the office only investigate international wildlife trafficking?+
No, its agents also investigate domestic violations such as illegal hunting, unlicensed trade, and habitat destruction affecting protected species, in addition to import and export cases under CITES.
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