Compliance Officer

Compliance officers and inspectors provide the public with protection by implementing rules.

Compliance officers and inspectors work with a variety of issues including the environment, worker rights, and licensing. Although compliance officers and inspectors often work with different issues, they often have common duties.

Compliance officers and inspectors hold investigations concerning complaints. This is done by collecting information from the person filing the complaint, conversing with the person or organization the complaint is regarding, and visiting the site of the problem if the complaint is environmental. Officers and inspectors sometimes complete surveys, review records, or take an analysis of the soil to get more facts. They often assess safety laws and rules and decipher them for specific cases. Not only do they investigate complaints, but they also routinely inspect various organizations.

Compliance officers and inspectors maintain vigilant records. Some records document inspection results while others record information, including the results of tests or surveys. Officers and inspectors compile reports of their investigations. They distribute these reports to those people and businesses under investigation. If problems are found during the investigation, officers and inspectors sometimes give citations and suggest alterations. For instance, they may counsel equipment improvements or adjustments in courses of action. They frequently provide company representatives with instruction concerning requirements so they comprehend the necessity of the changes required. Inspectors ensure individuals and businesses make the required changes by conducting follow up visits. Occasionally they are mandated to testify concerning their discoveries in court and public hearings.

Compliance officers and inspectors generally specialize in a certain area of work. Environmental compliance officers observe hazardous waste disposal, air and water pollution, and various environmental issues. Licensing examiners assess applications for an assortment of licenses, such as drivers' and professional licenses. They ensure that those applying for a license meet the experience and training requirements. They can also administer tests. Examiners only distribute licenses after people have met the requirements. They also give warnings to those with a license after a complaint is filed against them. Equal opportunity officers investigate discrimination issues in the workplace. They find if employers are hiring people despite their age, color, disability, national origin, race, or religion.

Government property inspectors supervise contracts. They examine materials, property, and investigate fraud. Financial examiners observe the sale of real estate and securities. Atypical sales are placed under investigation.