The Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) was contacted by Councilor Dan Lewis on April 25, 2014, requesting an investigation. Councilor Lewis requested that the OIG look into the actions of the former Albuquerque Police Chief to determine whether or not the Former Chief violated the City’s Conflict of Interest Ordinance in his dealings with TASER International, Inc. (“TASER”). In addition, Councilor Lewis asked that the OIG investigate whether the Former Chief used his influence to assist TASER in its dealings with the City.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) received a complaint concerning the Department of Family and Community Services. The complainant expressed concerns that the Health and Social Services Centers -- namely John Marshall and East Central -- were not donating items to the community, as they should, and that center employees were keeping some of the items.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted an investigation into the Animal Welfare Department (AWD) and allegations that AWD is allowing behaviorally unsafe and potentially dangerous dogs to be adopted out and transferred out into the community. This investigation sought to determine:
Whether or not AWD allowed behaviorally unsafe and dangerous dogs to be released back into the community.
Whether the Director of AWD withheld information from the OIG concerning AWD’s handling of behaviorally unsafe and dangerous dogs.
Information was brought to our attention by the Chief Building Official for the Building and Safety Division of the Planning Department regarding allegations of impropriety by a former City Residential Building Inspector with the department. Information surfaced that the former inspector issued several inspection approval tags for a local restaurant job in which he had also performed most of the (unlicensed) plumbing work.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) received an anonymous complaint against the Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS) and several employees. The complainant stated concerns of “misuse of position and authority; the abuse of authority; personal gain; and using federal grant dollars other than what their intended use is for.”
The OIG investigated the complaints brought forward by the anonymous tipster. The conclusion of our investigation is that no evidence was found regarding any wrongdoing committed by the DFCS employee or DFCS staff.
2017 OIG Annual Report
The Office of Inspector General for the City of Albuquerque, NM, conducted a thorough review of processes involving the procurement of an On-Body Camera System (OBCS) for the Albuquerque Police Department, at the request of the Chief Administrative Officer, CABQ. Specifically, the review included the period before the development and advertisement of the Request for Proposals (RFP), to understand the criteria used to establish a requirement to procure a new OBCS, as well as the writing of the RFP, and the subsequent selection of members for the Ad Hoc Selection Committee and finally, the selection process of the vendors.
The Office of Inspector General for the City of Albuquerque, NM, conducted a review of processes involving City handling of I-9 “Employee Eligibility Verification” Forms. An I-9 form was reported missing, so this review examined the policies, processes and federal guidance on handling the forms. Specifically, the review was conducted to determine the circumstances that led to the disappearance of the form, and how to improve the process to prevent future occurrences. The Department of Human Resources was able to identify vulnerabilities in the process and confusion in federal guidelines that enabled process improvements and policy clarification, thereby reducing future risk of this occurring again.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the City of Albuquerque, NM, conducted oversight of the outside investigation of allegations made by a former Albuquerque Police Department Evidence Technician, that certain videos were altered and deleted. The Oversight was conducted per City Council Resolution 16-138. The Report of Oversight not only includes the results of the oversight of the investigation, but also the proactive efforts of the OIG to oversee the selection process of the outside investigator by the City of Albuquerque.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the City of Albuquerque, NM, coordinated with the Administration and City Attorney regarding a fraudulent scheme perpetrated against the City and resulting in a loss of $420,117, to the taxpayers. The administrative investigation was conducted by a private investigative firm under contract to the City and a joint criminal investigation was initiated by the Albuquerque Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. This memorandum documents the efforts and activities of the OIG.
The Office of Inspector General for the City of Albuquerque, NM, conducted an investigation involving allegations made by several employees of the Animal Welfare Department, concerning policy, processes and leadership related issues. The Report of Investigation includes the allegations, as well as results of reviews from previous investigative reports, policies, and other AWD documents, as well as State law and City ordinances. The report also includes input and perspective from the AWD Director and Associate Director.
City of Albuquerque Board of Ethics directed OIG to conduct investigation involving allegations of public finance fraud by a City Council District 1 candidate.
A PDF of an Open Letter from the Offices of the Inspector General & Internal Audit Dated Sept. 6, 2017.
Misappropriation of City resources by BioPark employees who were involved in the conversion of a maintenance facility storage space to a makeshift "barbershop," where haircuts were provided to employees.
The OIG conducted an inspection of the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act to gain an understanding of the City’s compliance and to share the results of this inspection with key leaders in City government, as well as with members of the community.
The OIG conducted an investigation of allegations that the Animal Welfare Department Associate Director misused her position to circumvent established processes and policies for adopting animals that were required by the general public.
06-10-2015 Case # 14-207 Albuquerque Police Department Body-Worn Camera Procurement