Captain Otterstedt of DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement reported on a reorganization and regionalization of its investigatory arm, the Bureau of Environmental Conservation Investigations (BECI). This program was set up some years ago to deal with investigations involving the illegal disposal of hazardous wastes. BECI was organized by district, with New York divided into three regions: the Hudson River Valley; New York City; and Long Island. Over the years, BECI became involved in investigating other violations of environmental law such as illegal use and disposal of pesticide, illegal commercialization of fish and wildlife, etc. Effective 16 October 2000, the investigative staff will answer to a regional captain. Capt. Otterstedt described this change as an ideal opportunity to enhance the Department’s law enforcement activity. Long Island will have four investigators and a supervisor answering directly to Captain Otterstedt. The investigating captains will make the decisions as to which cases will be worked, how the officers will be deployed, and which complaints will be given priority. This will permit sting operations on Long Island, which will greatly benefit conservation and compliance.

Capt. Otterstedt stated that, under this reorganization of the investigative unit of the Division of Law Enforcement, improving marine resource law enforcement in Regions 1,2, and 3 is a priority. There is a pilot marine enforcement program that will send four officers to Nassau and Suffolk and two to New York City. These are not additional staff. The full allotment of uniformed field officers (excluding lieutenants) had previously been 21, but there should be 23 by November, 2000. The captain noted that there are new DEC patrol boats in New York City and Long Island; officers received more training. This will improve effectiveness and timely addressing of complaints. Councilor Yaxa asked about retention of trained Environmental Conservation Officers (ECO’s) in light of Long Island’s high cost of living. Captain Otterstedt replied that salary enhancement for state workers was problematic; however the positions had been made as attractive as possible. Three of four new dedicated marine officers were experienced local people.

Chairman Wise thanked Captain Otterstedt for his report and requested that the Council be kept informed of the impact of this reorganization on marine law enforcement.