Star Trek

In interstellar law, the space salvage laws deal with ownership rights.  The Ferengi, for example, have their own version of these laws ("Rascals" [TNG]).

Therefore, I would like to suggest that the Federation or Starfleet assemble a fast group of ships, like the Intrepid class, and man them with legal staff and assistants from the Judge Advocate General (JAG)’s office, to secure any vessel or equipment belonging to them after an accident, battle or other incident.  That way, they could prevent the Ferengi or other scavengers from acquiring Starfleet or Federation technology and property.