NCJ Number
134502
Date Published
1991
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This study review the future role of parkland law enforcement which has changed from the original goal of primarily interpreting resources with little real law enforcement to the present increased emphasis on law enforcement.
Abstract
The study uses literature review, survey, and personal interviews to analyze past, present, and future trends in parkland law enforcement. A fictitious park is analyzed regarding trends in the number of visitors, number of crimes, commercial use of wildlife, number of endangered species, and hazardous materials disposal. Events such as changes in the price of gasoline, destruction of an archeological site, assault of non-police employee, seizure of a park facility, and prohibition of fishing are posited to develop three future scenarios. Conclusions of the study indicate that parkland law enforcement management will need to alter the modes of transportation, become more aware of resource issues and increases in park crime, define their mission more clearly, and prioritize patrol needs more effectively if they are to meet the parkland law enforcement needs of the future. 2 tables, 9 appendixes, and 17 endnotes