CONSTRUCTION CODE ENFORCEMENT AND FIRE PREVENTION SPECIAL OFFICERS

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 2, ch. 2-36

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-36-1 Definitions.

Sec. 2-36-1. - Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions are applicable: Administrator is the executive officer in charge of the bureau of construction code enforcement. Citation is any ticket issued to a person showing the offense charged and signed by the person agreeing to appear at the time and place indicated. Director of fire services is the executive officer in charge of the fire services division. Employee is any employee under the administrator in the bureau of construction code enforcement, and any employee under the director of the division of fire services. Summons is process issued by the city courts and signed by the judge or the clerk, as provided for in section 280 of the Charter of the city. (Code 1967, § 30-80; Code 1985, § 28-106; Ord. No. 2437, § 1, 6-1-1976)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-36-2 Designation of building and fire services division employees as special police officers.

Sec. 2-36-2. - Designation of building and fire services division employees as special police officers. The administrator and the director of fire services may designate certain of their employees to be special police officers of the municipality for the purpose of issuance of citations or complaints in lieu of arrest of offenders in such cases as they have jurisdiction. (Code 1967, § 30-81; Code 1985, § 28-107; Ord. No. 2437, § 1, 6-1-1976)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-36-3 Scope of authority.

Sec. 2-36-3. - Scope of authority. When employees are so designated, they are, in lieu of arrest, authorized to issue citation tickets, summons, and legal process. In the event the form of such citation ticket includes information and is sworn to, as required by general laws of the state, with respect to a complaint charging the commission of the offense alleged in such citation ticket, when filed with a court or a branch of a court having jurisdiction, it shall be deemed to be a lawful complaint for the purpose of prosecution under the section specified. (Code 1967, § 30-82; Code 1985, § 28-108; Ord. No. 2437, § 1, 6-1-1976)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-36-4 Unlawful not to appear as promised.

Sec. 2-36-4. - Unlawful not to appear as promised. It is unlawful for any person to violate his or her written promise, given to an officer upon the issuance of a citation ticket, to appear regardless of the disposition of the charge for which such citation ticket was originally issued. (Code 1967, § 30-83; Code 1985, § 28-109; Ord. No. 2437, § 1, 6-1-1976)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-36-5 Failure to comply with citation tickets.

Sec. 2-36-5. - Failure to comply with citation tickets. In the event any person fails to comply with a citation ticket given to such person, or fails to make appearance pursuant to a summons directing an appearance in court, or if any person fails or refuses to deposit bail, as required, the clerk of the city court shall secure and issue a warrant for his or her arrest. (Code 1967, § 30-84; Code 1985, § 28-110; Ord. No. 2437, § 1, 6-1-1976)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-36-6 Authority of special police officers retained.

Sec. 2-36-6. - Authority of special police officers retained. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as removal of the designated special police officers' authority to make arrest for violations under their jurisdiction, and it shall be the duty of all police officers to render any assistance necessary. (Code 1967, § 30-85; Code 1985, § 28-111; Ord. No. 2437, § 1, 6-1-1976)

Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_CH2-36COCOENFIPRSPOFFetched: 10/28/2026