Keeping the Environment Clean: The Eco-Police
In New York City there is a small group of police officers called the eco-police. They make sure people follow environmental laws. These officers no different than the rest of the police force. They all wear a Stetson hat and olive-green uniforms.
There are about 20 eco-police officers in New York City and a total of 300 officers in the state of New York. They handle almost 2,000 violations a year.
Trash bin with pleasant reminders
A routine day for an eco-officer may include giving a citation to a car shop that’s letting chemicals leak onto the sidewalk. They might also removing crates of clams for sale that have been left on the dirty ground. And they might make sure store owners don’t lock up their recycling machines so citizens can drop off bottles and cans.
Oil recycling center
The eco-police have actually been around for over 120 years! They were created in 1880 and were known as “game protectors.” Their job was to protect fish and wildlife. Over the years their role has grown. They are now part of the State Department’s Environmental Conservation division.
As environmental issues grow, the eco-police will become more important in protecting our environment in the future. Be on the lookout for the eco-police in your area!
Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/nyregion/26ecocops.html
TLX News Journal Civics Activity:
Research eco-officers in your community. Keep your notes in your TLX News Journal.
On July 1, 1880, then Governor Alonzo B. Cornell appointed the first eight New York State Game Protectors. The force grew from a budget of $6,000 in 1880 to a 1990 level of 305 sworn police officers and a budget of over 12 million dollars. In 1964, the title Game Protector was changed to Conservation Officer, in 1970 it was changed to Environmental Conservation Officer.
