EAST CHICAGO | A Health Department inspector and the city's Emergency Management Agency director were sworn in as code enforcement officers last week.
Inspector Teresa Barber and EMA Director Herbert Cruz now can issue citations for city code and non-moving vehicle violations after being deputized by the Board of Public Safety on Wednesday.
They are also authorized to testify in court as sworn enforcement officers.
The pair join 14 building inspectors, health inspectors and animal control officers who have been sworn in as code enforcement deputies since February.
Chief of Inspections Miguel Arredondo said the added officers increase the effectiveness of his department in educating property owners regarding city codes and holding them responsible for complying with them.
The new deputies will receive training in police procedures and writing citations from the Police Department. They will still need to call police in situations requiring arrest or detention, or to secure a warrant from city court when denied entry.
Please Wait…