Author Archives: Marcus Kellum

The code enforcement officer is responsible for maintaining the quality of life in a community. The fact of the matter is disorder and crime are usually inextricably linked. According to the broken windows theory, if a window in a building is broken, and is left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon beContinue reading “A Guide to Enforcing “Junk” or Inoperable Vehicle Violations”

Having staff that are well trained in their roles can improve a municipality’s business performance in many ways.  Staff satisfaction is very important, and if code enforcement officers are satisfied with their role, morale is increased, which in turn, increases work output. Training helps to make people more confident in their role. Better training meansContinue reading “Benefits of Well-Trained Code Enforcement Staff”

Code enforcement leaders are forced to make decisions every day and there are a variety of decision-making models available that can be used to accomplish this goal. Various scenarios require different types of responses; structured, step processes and sequences; however, one should not underestimate the emotional and human element of that decision. The decision itselfContinue reading “Decision Making for Code Enforcement Leadership”

Providing high-quality service depends on a commitment to consistency and enhanced communication.  The basic process shared by most regulatory industries are incident response, inspection, and follow-up/enforcement activity. Effective code compliance and enforcement depends on how well these systems work together to produce an amenable outcome for all interested parties and communicating that outcome. Many codeContinue reading “The Importance of Communication in Code Enforcement”

While minimal resources are often made available to provide code compliance services, demands for service have increased. Many communities have not invested in appropriate technologies that would facilitate a more efficient approach to code service delivery. The need for enhanced enforcement has also increased the burden on Code Compliance Officers to report and follow-up onContinue reading “Consolidating Inspection, Compliance, and Regulatory Enforcement Services”

Successful businesses and organizations have standard operating procedures and other systems in place. Traditionally, every employee working for an organization has a set of rules to follow as they complete tasks. They may also have instructions that show them exactly how to complete each task. While it may not be considered standard procedures, there isContinue reading “Standard Operating Procedures for Code Enforcement”

The next generation of municipal leaders have the responsibility of charting the course for our communities with a vision that includes code enforcement services as an equal partner in the effective management of the quality of life of a community.The time for municipalities to recognize code enforcement as the driver of change in a communityContinue reading “The True Value of Regulatory Enforcement”