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Q&A

Timeliness of sexual abuse and harassment investigations

2:26:36

·

101 sec

Council Member Sandy Nurse questioned DOC officials about the timeliness of sexual abuse and harassment investigations, citing a high rate of investigations not meeting the 90-day legal mandate. DOC officials provided an update on their efforts to improve the process.

Previously, over 45% of investigations did not meet the 90-day legal mandate
DOC has reviewed internal processes and made efforts to improve
The rate of investigations not meeting the mandate is expected to have decreased to 23%
DOC agreed to provide more information on timeline expectations, recommendations, and operational changes in a follow-up

Sandy Nurse

2:26:36

Next week or 2.

2:26:36

Okay.

2:26:37

Yes.

2:26:39

Federal and local law requires that allegations of sexual abuse and harassment be fully investigating closed within 90 days of when a complaint is filed.

2:26:49

According to an analysis conducted by Gauthamis in 2023, more than 45% of investigations did not meet this legal mandate.

2:26:57

How how are you all accounting for for that low rate for that high rate of of not me?

James Conroy

2:27:05

We we've we've we've looked at the processes internally and and made efforts to improve that based on the quality of the investigations and the oversight.

2:27:14

I I will give a preview.

2:27:15

We think that rate has gone down to 23%, which should be reflected in the in the upcoming report.

Sandy Nurse

2:27:21

And is this would you would you say in terms of some of the things you might have internally identified?

2:27:26

Is it a capacity issue?

2:27:29

Is it resources?

2:27:30

What what might help us get down to a a lower rate?

James Conroy

2:27:34

Again, I I don't sorry.

2:27:36

I'm relatively new also to the agency, so we will internalize that and and have better answers.

Sandy Nurse

2:27:40

Okay.

2:27:41

And then it would be helpful to in your follow-up to get an understanding of a timeline where you will you know, you've done review.

2:27:50

I know you also have done a review of your grievance process and audit.

2:27:54

It would be really helpful to know when we expect to see or hear from you all some initial recommendations, some operational changes that you have made, or additional resources that you may be requiring to meet some of these investigations and get them done in a timely manner.

James Conroy

2:28:12

Thank you.

2:28:13

Yeah.

Francis Torres

2:28:13

Sorry.

2:28:13

We'll be more than happy to send you that information.

2:28:16

That would be great.

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