AGENCY TESTIMONY
Need for a code of conduct for Citizens Air Complaint Program participants
0:30:31
·
3 min
Commissioner Aggarwala emphasizes the need for a code of conduct for participants in the Citizens Air Complaint Program to address harassment and ensure program integrity.
- Describes instances of harassment and verbal attacks on civil servants by some program participants
- Argues that civilian complainants should be held to similar standards as DEP inspectors
- Suggests that withholding reports, submitting false reports, and harassing staff should not be permitted
- Proposes that the law should include a method to address fraudulent submissions and abusive behavior
- Emphasizes the importance of balancing financial incentives with program integrity, suggesting a flat rate payout for complainants instead of a percentage-based system
Rohit T. Aggarwala
0:30:31
A further issue we've been experiencing is that some participants have harassed and verbally attacked civil servants.
0:30:38
The behavior of the complainant has included aggressive verbal harassment targeted at specific employees, attempts to access secure government office spaces, looking for specific individuals, and in one instance, an attempt to assault a staff member.
0:30:54
We have some quotes here on the screen frankly, I hesitate to read them because I don't want to legitimize them with my voice, but they are an example of the kinds of obscene and personal attacks that our staff deal with from a select few of the participants in this program.
0:31:12
Such behavior is in is unacceptable.
0:31:15
No one should feel threatened or tolerate abuse or harassment as part of their job.
0:31:20
We need to protect our staff from the few individuals who feel they are justified in mistreating our employees.
0:31:26
In some, civilian complainants should be held to a code of conduct to protect staff and ensure the integrity of the civilian complaint program.
0:31:35
Withholding reports, submitting false reports, and harassing staff should not be permitted.
0:31:40
If a DEP inspector were accused of any of these actions, we would take them off enforcement duty and investigate.
0:31:48
We must recognize the role that civilian participants are playing.
0:31:51
They are not just making 311 complaints.
0:31:54
They are contributing to the initiation of legal proceedings under the air code, makes them an extension of the city's enforcement.
0:32:02
There must be a method to address fraudulent submissions and abusive behavior.
0:32:08
I've mentioned already how powerful anti idling devices could be in reducing idling, not only in Manhattan, but citywide.
0:32:15
Today, levied fines, which range from $350 to $2000, appear to be too low.
0:32:21
To incentivize mechanical change like the installation of anti idling devices.
0:32:25
This is why in Plan YC a year and a half ago, the Adams administration clearly stated its support for increasing the fines.
0:32:34
However, Fines cannot be increased unless necessary reforms are put in place.
0:32:39
The law must be more precise, must incur encourage cures, and must protect staff and the integrity of the system.
0:32:47
In addition, any fine increase must be coupled by a change in the bounty structure.
0:32:52
Today, the payout for a civilian for the civilian complainant is based on a percentage of the fine imposed.
0:32:59
Fine start at $350, but can increase up to 2000 for repeat offenses.
0:33:05
We know some from published reports that some participants are earning between a $150,250,000 per year from this program.
0:33:14
If the fine were quadrupled, it would mean that someone could earn a $1,000,000 per year from this program.
0:33:21
By contrast, the average salary of a DEP air inspector is roughly $55,000 per year.
0:33:28
While we can and should pay people who do the service of reporting offenses, we do not need to make the millionaires.
0:33:35
I don't believe any of the civilian enforcers are doing work that deserves more money than a trained DEP inspector earns.
0:33:42
We suggest a flat rate payout for complainants.
0:33:45
Today, complainants earn 87.50 for 1st defenses if DEP submits the the complaint.
0:33:53
Instead of quadrupling that bounty, we suggest flat rate payout of $100.
0:34:00
This brings me to the legislation being heard today.
