ABSTRACT

This chapter considers the important role that regulatory professionals play in the effective implementation and enforcement of environmental law. For the purposes of this chapter and in respect to environmental and transnational environmental crime, regulatory professionals operate within three types of agencies: police agencies, customs and border agencies, and environmental regulatory agencies. This chapter critically compares the three organisational contexts of the regulatory professions to identify inconsistencies and to explore possible improvements. The aim of this chapter is to provide information, options, and strategies to enable more effective recruitment, training, and continuing professional development of regulatory staff. This research has particular relevance for environmental regulatory agencies, as they, like all public service agencies, are continually seeking efficiencies and effectiveness in the performance of their various roles and functions. Finally, this chapter considers the possibility of there being greater recognition of environmental regulatory professions, a process that may already have begun.