The movement of hazardous waste is governed by regulatory bodies known as "competent authorities", such as the Environment Agency in England and Wales and the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States of America. The competent authorities' officers have the powers to bring about court orders, investigations, premises searches and prosecution of those who do not adhere to or are suspected to have broken the national and international waste laws. Directors and owners of businesses are the ones who are liable for prosecution if their firm has not been playing by the rules - they cannot pass the buck onto junior staff, they must take responsibility, which can include imprisonment.