Level I - Certification
Fundamentals of Code Enforcement
REPORT WRITING: Learn how to gather information and prepare code enforcement documents while improving accuracy, clarity and conciseness. Includes preparing investigative documents, case dockets or summaries, and required formal notices. (4 hours)
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Understand two-way communication with emphasis on listening skills and non-verbal communication; learn specific techniques for dealing with angry people and the use of verbal judo when dealing with the public. (4 hours)
LEGAL ASPECTS OF CODE ENFORCEMENT: Review the laws affecting code enforcement, from the U. S. Constitution to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, including equal enforcement, right of entry, and issuance of warrants. (8 hours)
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP: Learn to understand legal descriptions, locate property, and calculate the area of parcels. Identify various types of ownership and the methods of researching them. (8 hours)
ETHICS: Examine ethical dilemmas and guidelines, definitions, common rationalizations, and establishment of an ethical environment. Gain knowledge of the ethical standards of public administration. (4 hours)
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF CODE ENFORCEMENT: Learn how to apply basic knowledge and skills to daily activities. These skills will include enforcement techniques, inspection procedures, field communications, and call handling as well as legal issues requited to complete duties from the initial complaint to the final hearing process. (12 hours)
Level II - Certification
Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement
EXPANDED RESPONSIBILITIES AND ENFORCEMENT ALTERNATIVES: Learn about expanded duties and responsibilities of code enforcement officers and organizations throughout the state. Learn when and how to use alternative methods to traditional Code Enforcement by identifying community resources. (4 hours)
MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS: When dealing with the media and the public, learn to put your best foot forward -- instead of putting it in your mouth. Be proactive. Give effective interviews by developing a media strategy that will present Code Enforcement to the public positively. (4 hours)
ORGANIZATION OF THE ENFORCEMENT UNIT (including COMPUTERS): Learn about strategic planning. Learn about budgets. Determine the proper mission of a Code Enforcement unit. Learn how to set up and structure a unit for maximum success, and how to implement procedures that will ensure highest productivity. Find out how much assistance computers can bring to the department office by assessing current needs and existing systems. Learn the right questions to ask. (4 hours)
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: Establish a year-round cycle of performance management which includes developing and sharing with employees realistic job performance standards, conducting quarterly and yearly performance appraisals,, and using appropriate coaching and counseling techniques. (4 hours)
PERSONNEL ISSUES: Implement sound, legal, and effective employment policies based on federal and state mandates, paying particular attention to dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace, using appropriate interviewing techniques, and general requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (3 hours)
PUBLIC SPEAKING: Give presentations like a pro -- in front of 2 or 200 people -- using proven techniques to enhance professional style and get points across. (8 hours)
RECORDS MANAGEMENT IN CODE ENFORCEMENT: Review the best ways to keep the Code Enforcement office data using State approved records management systems and complying with Florida's public records law. (4 hours)
STRESS MANAGEMENT: Control stress and avoid burn-out by learning to recognize and manage the hidden and not-so-hidden stressors in life. (4 hours)
TIME MANAGEMENT: Manage time effectively by using principles of time management, recognizing and controlling time wasters, and delegating appropriately. (4 hours)
Level III - Certification
Legal Issues in Code Enforcement
CASE DEVELOPMENT: How to investigate and initiate a Code Enforcement case. How to issue a proper Statement of Violation and Notice of Hearing. How to ensure good service of process. (4 hours)
SPECIAL ISSUES: Examination of special areas relating to Code Enforcement including repeat violations, demolition, right of entry, stipulations, fines, recovery of costs, and rehearings. (4 hours)
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD: Expansion of Chapter 162's enumeration of the Code Enforcement Board's purpose, organization, appointment, powers, role at the hearings and responsibilities as a quasi-judicial body. (4 hours)
MOCK CODE BOARD HEARING: Following a summary of procedures which should be followed in preparing and presenting effective cases to the Code Enforcement Board, several mock cases are enacted by the attendees. Critique and evaluation follow. (4 hours)
EVIDENTIARY ISSUES: Standards of evidence necessary in a Code Enforcement Board procedure including relevance, rights of alleged violators and the Board, due process, privileges, Fourth and Fifth Amendment issues, hearsay, and use of public records. (4 hours)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ORDINANCES: An overview of ordinance development including construction, format, adoption, and codification. (2 hours)
OTHER LEGAL OPTIONS: Civil and criminal procedures other than the Code Enforcement Board process, including citations, injunctions, public nuisance penalties, and physical arrest. (4 hours)
MOCK CITATION TRIAL: Following an overview of procedures to be followed in court appearances and differences with the Code Enforcement Board process, several mock citation trials are held, followed by critique and evaluation. (2 hours)
TESTIFYING AND DEMEANOR: How to make the most effective presentation either before the Code Enforcement Board or in a courtroom. The importance of proper preparation before testifying. What to expect in the courtroom and how to proceed. Suggestions to witnesses. (4 hours)
REVIEW OF ENTIRE LEVEL III: (3 hours)
CEP Certification
Legal Issue Paper
LEGAL ISSUE PAPER GUIDELINES: The paper will evaluate the following:
- the ability to organize information in an understandable manner using the required format and to explore content in depth in a logical, coherent manner;
- the ability to communicate in writing, transmitting information in a clear and understandable manner, using both consistent style and accepted standards of English spelling and grammar;
- the ability to exhibit originality in identifying an appropriate topic which is directly pertinent to or revolves around a legal issue in Code Enforcement;
- the ability to locate and accurately use supporting data by properly identifying and referencing information related to the topic and by correctly citing and applying appropriate laws, statutes, codes, or other materials .
Format:
- at least 6 but no more than 15 pages in length
- double spaced and neatly typed (12 pt font) on 8-1/2" x 11" white paper. (Hand-written papers are unacceptable. Use both small and capital letters, not all capitals.)
- 1" margins on top, bottom and both sides
- first word of each paragraph should be indented ½" (five typed spaces)
- quotations should be indented 1" (ten typed )spaces, if longer than four lines
- number pages, beginning with first page of body of paper (including Works Cited page and Appendix, if any), at upper right with your last name and page number
Following must be added, but are not included in 6 to 15 page count:
- Title Page must includes the author's name, address, and telephone number
- page of sources cited at end of document (Works Cited)
Following is optional:
- table of contents
- appendix
You should use the format described in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Modern Language Association of America, latest edition). All references to words other than the author's should be identified as such, with accurate quotations and appropriate citing of source, section or page number. Only the applicable section of an ordinance or statute can be quoted in the body of the paper, although the complete ordinance, statute, etc. can be attached as an appendix.
Sources:
You must use a minimum of two different, written sources related to your topic, such as local ordinances, local government charter, Florida Constitution, Florida Statutes, Attorney General Opinions, Florida Administrative Code, Civil Rules of Evidence Handbook, Florida Jurisprudence, American Jurisprudence, Law of Municipal Corporations. (Note: class handouts cannot be used as sources.)
A passing legal paper will earn you five hours of credit towards your re-certification.
Topics must first be submitted for approval to the Education and Certification Committee of the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) along with a descriptive paragraph. The Committee will respond to the author concerning the appropriateness of the topic, before the paper is written. These summaries should be sent to the Committee c/o the Florida Institute of Government, University of Central Florida, 36 West Pine Street, Orlando, FL 32801.
Some suggested topics for your consideration:
- study of Code Enforcement case which raises an interesting legal issue
- differences in criminal, as opposed to civil, procedures
- Constitutional issues
- role of quasi-judicial agencies
- Sunshine Law applications
- Public Records Law applications
- impact of new ordinance on Code Enforcement
- impact of new state legislation on Code Enforcement
Your legal department may have some suggestions. Just remember that the topics must be related to code enforcement (i.e. not be about human resources, election laws, etc.)
When your topic has been approved and your paper is completed, return with check for $60.00 (member) or $75.00 (non-member) payable to: University of Central Florida. Mail to: Institute of Government, University of Central Florida, Suite 204, 36 West Pine Street, Orlando, FL 32801-2612.
In order to receive the Certificate of Code Enforcement Professional (CEP), you must be certified in all three levels, have completed and passed a Legal Issue Paper, and have at least three years of employment in Code Enforcement.