Certified Public Officials (CPOs) are legally recognized and empowered to perform their duties at state and local levels. The process for becoming a CPO varies by jurisdiction, but typically involves education and training programs to ensure they understand their responsibilities. CPOs are accountable to their hierarchy and constituency, and open communication is encouraged to keep the public informed. As more government responsibilities are vested in state and county officials, the need for CPOs becomes more apparent. Citizens have a right to know about the training and expectations of their government officials.
In establishing an ongoing and consistent way of maintaining government at the state and local levels, it is important that both elected and appointed officials are legally recognized and empowered to perform their duties. In order to confer the powers and responsibilities associated with the office that the individual has won by public election or has been appointed by someone in authority to do so, the new officer must be certified. Once this is done, the individual is now an appropriately recognized Certified Public Official.
The process for moving from an appointed or elected official to a certified public official will vary slightly from one jurisdiction to another. In some localities, an authority known as the Certified Public Officer Coordinator is responsible for establishing and maintaining the education and training programs used in the certification process. In the United States, programs of this nature have become more common as state, county, and even city governments have become responsible for functions that were once the province of federal government.
The idea behind the CPO training program is to ensure all individuals who are to function as certified public servants fully understand the scope of their responsibilities, as defined by the jurisdiction in which they will be serving. Often, the programs will also contain general leadership learning modules, information on existing lines of communication within the jurisdiction, and other details that will help the new officer be extensively prepared to perform their duties competently.
While this program must be completed before the individual actually takes office will vary from one jurisdiction to another. In some cases, the swearing into office may take place first, with training taking place during the first few months of the new term. In some jurisdictions, successful completion of the program may be required before the individual takes over the position.
A certified public servant is generally accountable to other people within the hierarchy, as well as to the constituency for jurisdiction. In order to make sure the lines of communication are open, the certified public official can enlist the support of key community leaders as a way to keep the public updated on what is happening with their area of responsibility. This type of open communication is an excellent way for a CPO to solicit volunteers from the wider community to help with certain functions that don’t require access to confidential information.
As more and more responsibilities for government programs are vested in state and county officials, the need for a certified public servant in every major office within the jurisdiction becomes more apparent. For more information about the structure and content of the CPO program in your state, check with your state-certified official public coordinator or county commission in your local county. As a citizen, you have a right to know what kind of training and expectations are part of the responsibilities entrusted to your elected and appointed government officials.
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