Overview
The Enforcement program tracks formal regulatory enforcement actions through case files. Each case can contain multiple entries documenting the escalation from initial contact to final resolution. Enforcement levels classify the severity of each action.
Key concepts
Case files
A case file is the top-level enforcement record. It has:
Name: The case name or identifier.
Enforcement Level: The current severity level of the case.
Status: Open (being worked) or Closed (resolved).
Linked sites, investigations, and BMPs: Connections to related records.
Case entries
Each case file can have multiple entries documenting the enforcement timeline. Entry types include:
relation_location: Links the case to a specific site.
relation_investigation: Links to a general investigation.
relation_idde_investigation: Links to an IDDE investigation.
relation_bmp: Links to a BMP.
Enforcement levels
Enforcement levels define the escalation hierarchy and are configured in Settings > Enforcement Levels. Each level has a name and display order. Common examples:
Warning
Notice of Violation (NOV)
Administrative Order
Fine / Penalty
Consent Decree
FAQ
Q: Can an enforcement case link to multiple sites?
A: Yes. Add multiple case entries of type 'relation_location' to link the case to several sites.
Q: What happens when I close a case?
A: The case and all its entries remain in the system for audit purposes. The closed_at timestamp and the user who closed it are recorded.
Q: Can IDDE investigations automatically create enforcement cases?
A: Yes. In the Investigations program, outcome types with the 'enforcement_actions' delegate automatically create enforcement case files when an investigation outcome is recorded.