The office was established by Governor Mario M. Cuomo's Executive Order No. 79 in 1986, with jurisdiction over several executive agencies which handled large sums of money in contracts with local governments, community organizations, and private corporations. The jurisdiction of the office was expanded by Executive Order No. 86 of 1986 to include all agencies, departments, or divisions headed by appointees or nominees of the governor. Executive Order No. 103 of 1987 authorized the inspector general to release written reports of investigations to the public and stated that the inspector general serves at the pleasure of the governor and reports to the director of criminal justice.
Functions:
Under New York State Executive law Article 4-A, the Inspector General has jurisdiction over all executive branch agencies, departments, divisions, officers, boards and commissions, and over most public authorities and public benefit corporations. The Inspector General's responsibilities include receiving and investigating complaints concerning allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in any entity under the Inspector General's jurisdiction and for determining whether disciplinary action, civil or criminal prosecution, or further federal, state, or local investigation is warranted. The office's jurisdiction includes state-funded infrastructure investments and projects.
In addition to the statutorily mandated duties, the Inspector General undertakes direct monitoring and investigative activities involving several of the state's most prominent infrastructure projects including the Governor Mario M. Cuomo bridge, the Jacob Javits Convention Center expansion, and the Moynihan Train Hall. The Inspector General provides procurement and contract management monitoring, and investigates allegations of fraud and abuse.
Legal Citations:
Executive Order 79, 1986; Executive Order 86, 1986; Executive Order 103, 1987.
