What is the first responsibility of law enforcement at an environmental incident scene?

The first responsibility of law enforcement at an environmental incident scene is to prevent or mitigate environmental impact. This priority is rooted in the need to protect public health and the environment from immediate threats resulting from the incident. By focusing on prevention and mitigation, law enforcement can help limit the extent of damage caused by hazardous materials, spills, or other environmental hazards.

Taking swift action to control the situation is vital, as the longer pollutants or hazardous substances are left unchecked, the greater the potential for widespread harm to the ecosystem and human populations. Once the immediate danger is addressed, attention can then turn to other priorities such as securing evidence, conducting thorough investigations, and apprehending suspects, if applicable. However, if the environmental impact is not addressed first, any evidence collected or actions taken later may be less effective or even irrelevant in the context of environmental preservation and public safety.