Local Health Officer Training

Section 8: Conclusion Course Review and Evaluation

When working to resolve the various problems you will face, the length of time you may ask for corrective action varies and relates directly to how complex and how urgent the matter is. It may be 5 days or 30 days. It is up to the situation.
If all else fails, prepare to go to court. If there is nothing that you can do based on current law or ordinances, suggest to the complainant that he or she could individually take action at District Court.
Always use due process with the owner, or the owner’s representative. This involves being fair and giving the other person the benefit of the doubt. It means you need to hear both sides before you decide what to do.
Remember to use your “Emotional Intelligence Quotient” - this means to speak to people in a tone and manner as you would like to be spoken to yourself. You will get a lot more accomplished.
Maine statutes contain laws that do not provide a direct remedy but instead provide a legal definition or provide guidance so solving the problem becomes easier.
Many nuisances, such as those dealing with noise (squealing tires, barking dogs, etc.) require a municipal ordinance in order to effectively resolve the complaint.
The LHO will come up against many many animal and some domestic complaints. It is very important to have a relationship with the municipal animal control officer to assist in correcting the problem.
In order to be efficient, you need to learn all the facts and not repeat steps someone has already completed.