Regulation No. 576 of 1993 on the responsibilities of the Forest Police Service

SUMMARY Ministry of Agriculture and Food nr. 576 Tirana, 8.2.1993 Regulations on Responsibilities of the Forest Police Service General Members of the Forest Police Service have a duty to continuously improve their knowledge of the law, and to know in detail the areas where they carry out their duties. Organization There is a General Directorate of Forests and Pastures and a number of District Forest Directorates. The General Director of Forests is appointed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food. Members of the Forest Police Service wear uniforms and carry identity documents, which they must show on request. Depending on availability, patrolling is carried out by two or more members of the Forest Police Service, on the basis of a plan prepared by the head of their office. They carry arms, with specified quantities of ammunition. They must be familiar with the functioning of arms. They write reports on their activities. They may temporarily leave their area of duty: when requested by members of the Forest Police Service of neighbouring areas; to pursue offenders; to prevent violations; to take offenders to the Forest Police Service Office. Duties Prevent activities which may damage the forests; prohibit unauthorized activities relating to forest produce; write reports on offences, seize objects utilized in relation to offences; require the applica~ion of rules on transport and export of forest produce; require payment of fees within specified deadlines; give such help as may be requested by other public officials; report criminal violations to criminal courts; In cases of violations of their duties, they are liable pursuant to the applicable laws. Powers Require the application of the law for which the Forest Police Service is responsible; compound administrative offences, giving fines of 100 leki seize goods in case of more serious offences; request offenders to show identity documents; arrest offenders and take them to the Forest Police Service Office in cases of serious violations; stop any person who has committed a violation; stop and utilize any means of transportation, except those of the diplomatic service and of members of the Government, to reach areas where there are risks of serious damages to forests, or to pursue offenders; enter into premises of public or private enterprises to make inspections in relation to violations of the forest legislation; use arms as a last resort, any injured persons and immediately. in which case they must assist inform higher rank officials Signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food