A fire inspector issues a citation for code noncompliance using which type of power?

A fire inspector issues a citation for code noncompliance using which type of power?

• A. Discretionary
• B. Judicial
• C. Ministerial
• D. Police

Answer: (D)

The action comes from police power—the government’s authority to regulate conduct to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Fire inspectors enforce fire codes under this power, using citations, fines, and other enforcement tools to compel compliance when violations are found. It isn’t a purely ministerial duty done without discretion, nor a judicial decision made by a court. And while inspectors may apply judgment in inspections, the authority to issue a citation as an enforcement measure is rooted in police power.

The action comes from police power—the government’s authority to regulate conduct to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Fire inspectors enforce fire codes under this power, using citations, fines, and other enforcement tools to compel compliance when violations are found. It isn’t a purely ministerial duty done without discretion, nor a judicial decision made by a court. And while inspectors may apply judgment in inspections, the authority to issue a citation as an enforcement measure is rooted in police power.