F.A.C.E.
CERTIFICATION CURRICULUMS
CURRICULUM FOR LEVEL I F.A.C.E. 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)
VERBAL 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 RESEARCH AND 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. Part I -
Administrative: Lean the role and history of code enforcement, complaint
taking procedures, phone procedures, and proper documentation. Part II -
Field Inspections and Civil Process: Learn proper inspection procedures,
field contacts, how to ensure officer safety, how to prepare field reports, how
to effectively present cases to the Code Enforcement Board, and how to deal with
hearing procedures, citations, and liens.(12 hours)____________________________________________________
CURRICULUM FOR LEVEL II F.A.C.E. 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:
Understand the components of strategic planning and how it can be applied within
a department; learn how to set up and structure a unit for maximum success and
highest productivity. (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. (4 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)____________________________________________________
CURRICULUM FOR LEVEL III F.A.C.E. 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)
CODE ENFORCEMENT: 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 ENFORCEMENT 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 AND COURT PROCEDURES:
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)
MANDATORY REVIEW BEFORE TEST:
(4 hours)____________________________________________________
CURRICULUM FOR LEVEL IV F.A.C.E. CERTIFICATION
Officer Safety and Field
Applications
Defensive Tactics with Practical Applications: This course offers
classroom and hands-on training for the Code Enforcement Officer’s
personal safety. You will learn strike and pressure
points, proper blocking and striking, weapon defense, takedown, ground fighting,
and escape techniques.
