New York State Temporary Commission of Investigation

CURRENT FUNCTIONS. The Temporary State Commission of Investigation is an independent, bipartisan, fact-finding and evidence gathering agency responsible for conducting investigations into the enforcement of state laws, particularly as they relate to organized crime and racketeering; the conduct of public officers and public employees; and any other matter concerning the public peace, public safety, or public justice. At the request of the governor or an agency head the Commission may conduct investigations into the removal of a public officer by the governor, or into the management of any state department, board, commission, or other agency. It does not possess prosecutorial authority, but may refer the results of its investigations to prosecutors for appropriate action.

Past investigations have covered a broad range of subjects and agencies, including: gun control in New York, the State Commission of Correction, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department, delinquent real estate taxes in Albany County, and racial bias practiced by criminal justice authorities in Orange County.

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