EPA Criminal Investigation Division

About this Agency

The EPA Criminal Investigation Division is part of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The division was created in 1982 when the government first realized that it was important to combat the increasing number of crimes against the environment. In 1988, Congress granted the EPA full law enforcement authority.

According to their official website, the EPA Criminal Investigation Division mission is as follows: use stringent sanctions, including jail sentences, to promote deterrence and help ensure compliance in order to protect human health and the environment. Criminal enforcement is often used against the most serious environmental violations as well as those which involve egregious negligence or conduct involving intentional, willful or knowing disregard of the law.

The EPA Criminal Investigation Division is made up of well trained, highly qualified professionals who are stationed at more than 40 offices in the United States.

Every agent within the EPA Criminal Investigation Division is a fully authorized law enforcement officer with the ability to make arrests. Their main responsibility is to enforce environmental laws -- more specifically those associated with land resources, water, and air.

Hiring Process and Eligibility

Applicants for the position of EPA Criminal Investigation Division special agent must meet the following requirements:

1. United States citizen.
2. Between the ages of 21 and 37 years old at time of appointment.
3. Be in excellent physical condition.

After an initial hire, every agent is required to complete eight weeks of basic federal law enforcement training.

Contact Information