Dial *DEP to Report Environmental Crimes 

“*DEP helps officers respond quickly and efficiently to environmental crimes and emergencies,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Thomas S. Tramel. “With this new partnership, law enforcement will now have additional eyes on the roadways to help spot and easily report major crimes against the environment.”

The program will allow for statewide consistency in the way Floridians, particularly motorists with cell phone only access, report environmental crimes. Environmental Crimes Hotline staff will answer calls and forward information to DEP law enforcement officers for investigation.

“Wireless phones have become essential communications tools for just about everyone which is why Sprint Nextel is pleased to be able to offer our Sprint PCS and Nextel customers a way to alert authorities to potentially environmentally harmful acts,” said Joel Garner, Vice President, Public Sector Sprint Nextel South Region. “Now, our customers can be champions of the DEP’s efforts to protect Florida’s unique and sensitive environment.”

*DEP is an emergency line for reporting environmental crimes only. BlackBerry users may access this line by simply dialing *337 or by dialing * (ALT key) DEP. Callers without wireless access can report environmental crimes to the Environmental Crimes Hotline by calling (877) 272-8335. General environmental inquiries should be directed to DEP district offices during business hours.

DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental resource law enforcement. The division’s Bureau of Park Patrol provides law enforcement services to Florida’s state parks and greenways and trails. Agents within the Bureau of Environmental Investigations investigate major environmental crimes throughout the state. The division also responds to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material and chemical incidents and oil spills that can threaten the environment.