On Friday, June 17, nine Code Enforcement officers were deputized by Sheriff David Davis during a swearing in ceremony at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center. 

The officers have already gone through law enforcement training and have been Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) certified in their roles with other agencies. Under Georgia law, this allows these officers to enforce certain codes, including seizing abandoned vehicles and writing and serving warrants to enter properties and look for code violations. 

“This allows us more flexibility in addressing code violations,” said Code Enforcement Director J.T. Ricketson. “It allows for different approaches towards fighting blight on multiple fronts such as attacking abandoned houses, commercial buildings, illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, and hoarded properties.” 

“We continue to strengthen Code Enforcement so they can help us improve public safety, freeing up deputy time to fight violent crime,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We are proud of this department for taking their role with Team Macon-Bibb very seriously.” 

“Having these officers sworn through the sheriff’s office removes any legal doubt that they are truly a law enforcement officer who can respond to any criminal or disruptive incidents,” said Sheriff David Davis. “Being deputized brings continuity to the law enforcement and will help them make any necessary criminal cases in instances of serious blight.”