Greetings, 

I am with Upson County, Georgia and I am attempting to bridge my lack of resources as I have been tasked with building a Code Enforcement within our Community Development Department. I was explicitly told that Code Enforcement has been nonexistent in the years prior to my hire date. With that in mind I have been in local government work since 2015, since then I have served in Animal Control, Sheriff's Office, Code Enforcement and as a director in my former jurisdiction. 

Utilizing my combined knowledge from prior roles I have created a functioning Code Enforcement Division, but I still lack communication with other agencies that are more established and refined. If it is not too much trouble, would anyone be interested in sending some insight or examples regarding: 

1.  Nuisance Abatement - Legal Civil Action against a real property to obtain a court order to demolish a structure after several attempts have been made to remedy. 2023FINAL. DEMO Letter.pdf2023FINAL. 2.0 Order to Appear to Property Owner for Abatement.pdf2023FINAL. Unfit or Unsafe Structure Inspection.pdf2024Unsafe Placard.pdf

2. Code Care or Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program - An internal or external third-party program with volunteers or nonprofit programs to help clean up disastrous properties where the owner is disabled, elderly, etc. and proven to be incapable of cleaning their property up so the county/city step in to provide services versus issuance of citations. 

3. Courtesy Notice, Notice of Violation, or Warning Notices - I am interested in seeing how other jurisdictions correspond to their citizens and how you deliver the information a property owner or tenant needs to address any current violations you need remedied. 2023FINAL. NoV Public Nuisance TW.docx2024FINAL. Time Extension Request.pdf2023FINAL. Complaint Form.pdf

4. Printing: Placards, Door Hangers, Flyers, Public Relation Materials - I've been searching for economical printing options and sizes for items such as "Dangerous Unsafe or Unfit Structure", "Stop Work Order", "Door Hangers", "Brochures", "Flyers," and I am curious if anyone is doing any "News Update" channels through YouTube or any other method. 2024Stop Work Order.pdf2024FINAL. Address Sign Door Hanger.pdf2023Code Enforcement About Us Brochure.pdf2024Gateway Corridor - Monument Signs.pdf

5. Judicial Process in the Court Room - We operate under a Magistrate Court as a County and have a fairly new approach to County Ordinance Violations as a result of a Code Enforcement Case. Should a defendant be found guilty they are provided a court penalty (fine amount) and said that the fine must be paid in the full amount. Typically, this amount is too high of a burden and the Magistrate Court is not providing a probation time so to speak to afford the defendant an opportunity to make payments over a specified duration. Is anyone operating in a court room where the defendants face financial hardship and require a court ordered payment plan, if so, how does that work? Next, should a defendant be found guilty, and the violation has not been fixed on the set court date, does your court allow for a continuance and conditions attached. Examples: 1. If the violation is not fixed by the next court date, the imposed fines will be an increased amount, or if the violation is fixed by the next court date your fines will be a decreased amount; 2. Code Enforcement shall have the authority to inspect the property for violation during this time until the violation has been resolved2024Motion for Dismissal.docx

6. Self-Defense Tools - Who, within G.A.C.E., provides or is provided self-defense tools such as ASP batons, OC Spray, Tasers, or firearms (all of which trained for through GPSTC or credited law enforcement agency) but is NOT P.O.S.T. certified as a Peace Officer.

7. Uniforms and Equipment - I am looking for uniform and equipment inspiration; including badge ideas (please let me know if you are POST certified or non-post certified.

 2023Body Armor H3 Quote.pdf2023Lenslock Body Cameras.pdf

I know the above is sort of a lot, but if you're able to answer or provide feedback on any of the above-mentioned topics I would be grateful. 

I thank you for your patience and participation. 

TW

2024FINAL. Gateway Sign Catalog Template.docx 2023DRAFT. Report Form.pdf

Tyler,

For some reason, I am just now able to see all the discussion items. 

I am going to take a quick review of all the information you've posted and send you some feedback. My apologies for a late response. 

 

Call me I built a successful program from the ground up and would be happy to help. 
I am using Lensloc and have a great contact there! 
912-631-3595