"A Perspective: The Role of Law Enforcement in the Ocean Environment"

There have been proposed abundant and diverse solutions by technologists to what they have perceived to be law enforcement requriments. Few have found widespread usage. Because technology plays so large a role in the development of ocean resources, it may be argued that law enforcement in the maritime environment of the future will be highly technology dependent. This may be so, but unless technologists improve their perception of the role of law enforcement in our society add the particular constraints under which it must function in the maritime environment, the solutions proposed will not meet the need. This paper, with emphasis on the maritime environment, characterizes law enforcement in the context of its role in the criminal justice process, outlines the constraints under which it must operate and discusses the forces which shape these constraints. This background can provide an overview which may serve as a conceptual guide for a better understanding of ocean related law enforcement needs in future years.