As a lead-off from Brian's 11-11-11 7:41 post regarding Board authority to interpret boundary law, here's another question...
Does your state society provide a peer review group or committee which assist with surveyor vs. surveyor or landowner vs. surveyor disputes? Is there some group that you can turn to for assistance when you have a dispute with another surveyor over a difference in opinions in a boundary location? If you have such a group, is it part of your state society, your state board, or some other group? And, lastly, if you don't have such a group, do you see value in having one?
JBS
Several CLSA Chapters have a Professional Practices Committee. The members of the committee are volunteer land surveyors and naturally going to them is completely optional on the part of the LSs and property owners.
The norm in California seems to be regional Professional Practices Committees. They're generally organized at the local chapter level of the California Land Surveyors Association, sometimes jointly between chapters (thus JPPC). They depend upon volunteers, appointed and/or elected by the chapter, to respond to complaints and conduct investigations. Volunteer staffing means that the process isn't quick, but it still provides a reasonable alternative to a full-blown complaint against another licensee.
I've filed complaints with my local PPC twice. The first complaint died for lack of sufficient evidence of malfeasance, the other is -- I hope! -- still under investigation.
I'm not aware of any one committee like that in Illinois.
Complaints usually get filed with either the Association and it's Ethics and Practices committee, or the State board. Unfortunately, many of these have little merit, like what the fee was.....
A Merit Commission has been discussed in the past but died due to opposition from the legal profession......
I would discuss any such issue at the local Surveyor's Society. If they thought there was a problem they could decide any actions appropriate. If they did not act and I thought it needed further review, I would document the facts and send it to the Board. No complaint, just the documents pertinent with a cover letter giving statues apparently violated. If they think there is a problem, they are the only authority to take actions if deemed warrented. If they take no action, I'm OK. Whether I think there is a problem or not is of quite secondary consequence.
It's a good idea that has been pondered. Until someone gets out front and really pushes for it it's never going to happen. I just don't think the right organization exits in our state to make it happen but there's at least hope. Not like we don't have the talent and expertise. Just need the organization and someone to push it through.
Some of peers designated by the Board need peer review is my experience.
