Hello everyone!  I am retired Sgt for a metro Atlanta police department but recently started working as the sole code enforcement officer for a small county.  I'm basically teaching myself the job as there is no software or program to follow.  I am looking for help with file and time management as well as what do you all write citations on?  Do you use a law enforcement ticket book or do you have your own forms for your jurisdictions?  Any and all help/advice would be appreciated.  Thank you!!

Sabrena,

Welcome to the profession. It's a "catch all" job.  I would love to help you out. Let's start with looking at your local ordinances to help answer some of your questions. What is your Jurisdiction? 

Case preparation and time management are essential to a good code enforcement program. Many jurisdictions use code enforcement or permitting software such as comcate, cloud permit, or sages. 

I would suggest since you are just starting out to consider an education program that alerts the public and residents that the community has established a code enforcement program. This will also help in educating you on what the leadership wants from the department. 

As for citations, most code enforcement cases are civil actions, so it is best to have separate citation books and you will need to establish a fine schedule with your court system. 

I hope this helps in a fast response. email me or call me if you want to set aside some time we can network. 

I work for a small jurisdiction with an even smaller budget. I created my own system of documenting cases and "filing". I would be happy to share my method and maybe it will help give you some ideas until a code specific software can be employed.  Angel is correct also with suggestion for separate citations for code/civil violations. I would be happy to email you a copy of the citations we created and use for our code cases. Email me and I will be happy to share what little knowledge I have. jerry.pitman@thomson-mcduffie.gov

2 hours ago, Angel Gray said:

Sabrena,

Welcome to the profession. It's a "catch all" job.  I would love to help you out. Let's start with looking at your local ordinances to help answer some of your questions. What is your Jurisdiction? 

Case preparation and time management are essential to a good code enforcement program. Many jurisdictions use code enforcement or permitting software such as comcate, cloud permit, or sages. 

I would suggest since you are just starting out to consider an education program that alerts the public and residents that the community has established a code enforcement program. This will also help in educating you on what the leadership wants from the department. 

As for citations, most code enforcement cases are civil actions, so it is best to have separate citation books and you will need to establish a fine schedule with your court system. 

I hope this helps in a fast response. email me or call me if you want to set aside some time we can network. 

Thank you.  I am in Jasper County.  My email is sdorsey@jaspercountyga.org and my number is 706-819-3573.

Sabrena,

I have shared your name with Odetta MacLeish-White; Director of Engagement, Center for Community Progress

She is our Georgia representative and they are offering a technical grant opportunity. Odetta will fill you in on how to apply, if the grant is something you feel will be beneficial to you as Jasper County progresses its code enforcement division. 

Odetta Macleish-White omacleishwhite@communityprogress.org