Compliance officers and inspectors enforce rules that protect the public.

Compliance officers and inspectors investigate complaints. They gather information from the person making the complaint. They also talk to the person or organization about whom the complaint is made. If the complaint is about an environmental problem, inspectors travel to the site to examine it.

Depending on their area, officers and inspectors may get more information by:

• Conducting surveys
• Reviewing records
• Reviewing safety laws and rules

In addition to investigating complaints, they inspect some organizations on set schedules.

Compliance officers and inspectors keep records. Some records are about their inspection results. Other records document information, such as test or survey results. Officers and inspectors prepare reports of their findings for the people and businesses they investigate.

Officers and inspectors may issue citations and recommend changes to fix problems they find. For example, they may recommend equipment upgrades or changes in procedures. They often teach company representatives about requirements so they understand why changes are required. They follow up to be sure that businesses and individuals carry out their recommendations. They may testify in court and public hearings about their findings.

Compliance officers and inspectors often specialize in one area.

Environmental compliance

Environmental compliance officers monitor air and water pollution, hazardous waste disposal, and other environmental matters.

Licensing

Licensing examiners evaluate applications for a variety of licenses, including driver's and professional licenses. They check that applicants have met the training and experience requirements. They may also give tests. They issue licenses to people who meet the requirements. They also warn licensed individuals when complaints have been filed against them.

Equal opportunity

Equal opportunity officers make sure people are not being discriminated against by employers. They investigate whether employers are hiring workers regardless of their race, religion, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Government property

Government property inspectors monitor contracts. They inspect materials and other property and investigate fraud.