Fire service enforcement policy - service order 6

We seek to ensure that legislation is enforced impartially. This will be through policy and management procedures and safeguards.

Certain decisions and actions are made by the following officers:

• officers who inspect the premises make some decisions about enforcement action.  The officers may consult with more senior colleagues if appropriate.
• identified senior officers can prohibit or restrict the use of premises or part of the premises.
• the Chief Fire Officer decides on prosecutions following consultation with the Prosecutions Monitoring Group.

Officers will be fair, independent and objective when considering enforcement action.  They will not let their personal views cloud their judgement.

We will ensure that the correct individuals or company are prosecuted for the right offences.

We are a Public Authority for the purposes of the Human Rights Act 1998.  We will apply the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights in accordance with the Act, as it does in all its enforcement activity.

Prior to taking any enforcement action, we will endeavour to contact the respective fire service should the premises be part of the Primary Authority Scheme (PAS).