The City of Washington, Indiana

Code Enforcement: sometimes encompassing law enforcement, is the act of enforcing a set of rules, principles, or laws (Code of Ordinances) and ensuring observance of a system of norms or customs. An authority usually enforces a civil code, a set of rules, or a body of laws and compels those subject to their authority to behave in a certain way.

Code Enforcement Officer: is responsible for evaluating private properties and public grounds against local codes, answering citizen questions about the codes, and issuing citations for code violations. The officer may or may not be a certified police officer.  They can be appointed by local government officials. Code enforcement officers work to maintain an attractive, safe community, which helps improves both property values and the quality of life of those in the community.

Job duties for such officers can vary dramatically from community to community. Some respond primarily to reports about unsightly lawns (tall grass or trash), excess signage, nuisance animals, abandoned vehicles and/or illegal parking. Others also verify business permits, condemn unsafe buildings, or enforce zoning regulations. Localities that do not staff building inspectors may use code enforcement officers to offer construction planning and inspection services.