If
a case goes to court, the agency acts as the plaintiff.
Enforcement agents determine the strength of a case
when deciding to press charges. Attending hearings is
part of an agency's responsibilities, and you may not
even have to appear in court. You can file a complaint
yourself through the District Justice who has jurisdiction
in the area of the violation. When you do, however,
you assume the responsibility of proving a crime was
committed and also risk countersuit if the court does
not find the defendant guilty. By working with state
and local agents, you will:
Your involvement
is important. Your stewardship will improve both your
neighborhood and any other places you value.
Who
To Contact
 You
have many reporting options, depending on whether the
property is publicly or privately owned, its use, and
whether local police have jurisdiction. Many factors apply
to reporting, and you may be asked to call a different
agency. If you are referred to another agency, the intent
is to connect you with the agency best suited to handle
your complaint.
Always
start at the local level. Local officials are familiar
with properties and residents, and should be able to respond
quickly. Check your local telephone directory or call
your local municipal building or township secretary to
see if
any of the following local agencies exist:
- Local
Police
- Municipal
Code Enforcement
- County
Code Enforcement
- County
Solid Waste Authority
- County
Health Department
If
local options don't exist or you are not satisfied with
their response, you have other options.
What
you say and how you say it can create an atmosphere of
cooperation. Let the agency or police know that you're
interested in following your complaint through to clean
up. This makes you part of the solution. Be patient -
the response may not be as immediate as you want. Be persistent
- not every report results in a successful prosecution,
but future reports may get the response you want. If one
agent's or an agency's final response doesn't satisfy
you, take your concerns to a higher level of the same
agency or to a different agency. (Even if you want your
complaint handled anonymously, it is best if you share
your name and phone number. The agency may need to contact
you for additional information. Be aware that anonymity
may affect the priority of an agency response.
|
case.
By contacting an agency, you may have the benefit of
anonymity, since most agencies have confidentiality
policies. In addition, you are protected from any countersuits
of libel. However, your testimony could be important
to a case, especially if you witness illegal dumping
or littering.