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Council amends municipal code to let designated civilian officers issue civil citations
Summary
Erie adopted an ordinance amending municipal code language to clarify that civilian code officers and other designated positions may issue civil (non-criminal) citations for code, property and animal violations in municipal court.
The Erie Town Council adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 4, Title 1 of the municipal code so that designated civilian code officers and other specified positions can issue civil citations for property, animal-control and code violations in municipal court.
Police Chief Lee Mathis told council the ordinance was drafted after a town prosecutor noted the current code did not clearly authorize non-sworn civilian staff to issue citations. "[The amendment] allows them to do civil citations, animal citations, and code," Mathis said, clarifying the change does not provide arrest powers.
Council member questions clarified that the town manager, not the police chief, will designate positions such as park rangers, building inspectors or a town arborist to hold this authority in addition to existing civilian code officers. The amendment is intended to codify existing practices and prepare for growth that might require additional designated positions.
Council moved and approved ordinance 13-20-25 by voice vote. The change takes effect under the town’s normal ordinance effective-date procedures.
