NCJ Number
185589
Date Published
2000
Length
22 pages
Annotation
New York City has made significant progress in recent years in reducing corruption and the impact of corruption on government processes; the author describes fundamental principles on which the city's anti-corruption programs are based.
Abstract
Corruption has been a dynamic force in New York City, one that has constantly evolved and adapted to overcome legal and regulatory controls and accountability measures. Another feature of the dynamic nature of corruption is reflected in the efforts of public officials to prevent or detect it. The agency responsible for preventing corruption and fraud in New York City is the Department of Investigation (DOI). The DOI has a Corruption Prevention Bureau to ensure lessons learned in every corruption investigation are incorporated in appropriate reforms, the DOI appoints an inspector general for each major city agency, and the DOI serves as the investigative agent of the Conflicts of Interest Board. In addition, the New York City Department of Personnel conducts an initial background check on every new city employee. The DOI receives an average of 10,000 complaints of corruption or official misconduct every year. Most complaints are received anonymously by telephone, mail, or e-mail. The DOI goes to great lengths to protect those who report corruption, and New York City has a Whistleblower Protection law. The DOI initiates thousands of criminal investigations each year that follow a three-pronged approach: (1) creates an investigative team; (2) considers damages and restitution; and (3) emphasizes corruption prevention, oversight, and accountability. Finally, the DOI recognizes there is a strong correlation between organized crime and corruption. 19 notes