In enforcement, which factor makes a PSO action defensible in court?

• A. Personal preference of the PSO.
• B. Public opinion polls.
• C. Evidence and by-law compliance supporting the action.
• D. Adherence to internal agency policy only.

Answer: (C)

Enforcement actions stand up in court when they are anchored in solid, objective grounds—specifically, concrete evidence of a violation and the exact by-law authority that justifies the action. When a PSO can point to observed conditions, document the violation, and show how the by-law provisions apply, the action is grounded in law and fact, making it defensible. Personal preference, public opinion, or internal policy alone do not provide legal justification or protect against challenge; they may guide discretion, but the action must be supported by evidence and the applicable by-law.