Relates to access of certain information by the New York city department of investigation

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jabari Brisport says this is needed

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is the Inspector General of New York City responsible for independently investigating and preventing corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse. In that capacity, DOI is responsible for conducting oversight of New York City Administration for Children's Services' (ACS) operations, including oversight regarding management of the City's juvenile detention centers, contraband traf- ficking into the centers by center staff, problems in the foster care system, and allegations of staff misconduct. DOI staff include investi- gators as well as peace officers who can make arrests and participate in the execution of search warrants, and the agency staff work closely with prosecuting offices to develop evidence and charge cases warranting criminal prosecution, issue reports, and make recommendations for policy and procedural reform where appropriate. In order to provide this over- sight and conduct robust investigations, DOI regularly requires access to records and information maintained by ACS and the State concerning youth. Under current law, DOI has the authority to access records and informa- tion maintained in certain government registers and databases for purposes of its investigations, but only with prior approval of OCFS or the Justice Center. The DOI argues that delays in accessing certain information can hinder the agency's ability to conduct effective inves- tigations. This legislation therefore seeks to rebalance the DOI's access to such records. The DOI has expressed concern regarding its ability to investigate ACS employees for misconduct cases where CPS agents have acted with "undue familiarity" towards the subject of their investigations. Likewise, DOT has argued that having broader access to records will allow the agency to conduct proper investigations regarding the tragic instances of child fatalities that may occur, and examine whether CPS agents have acted properly. Ultimately, this legislation seeks further transparency and oversight to ensure that CPS agents and juvenile detention facility employees are executing their duties properly.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.