Evaluation of inspection and enforcement programs of other regulatory, safety, and professional organizations: Phase I

This volume presents findings in five topical areas from a survey of the inspection and enforcement programs of 20 agencies and an in-depth study of six of those agencies. It was found that agencies using resident inspectors generally assign them in groups to prevent capture and improve supervision, use some sort of performance appraisal system, and place enforcement power in the field. Enforcement powers vary: many have ''shutdown'' power, and the majority combine inspection and enforcement in the field. Civil and administrative remedies appear easier to use than criminal remedies. Inspector management techniques include training, career planning, and evaluation. Inspection methods usually include hands-on verification, and inspection frequency is often based on past performance. Most programs assess their effectiveness in some way, and about half rate licensee performance. Information is seldom formally transmitted from I and E to other agency elements. After examining these areas, a variety of topics were recommended for further study, including assigning residents in pairs, developing a performance appraisal system, placing more enforcement power in the field, and providing more ''hands-on'' inspection activities