What does the SCI Investigate?

The SCI is empowered to conduct investigations involving effective enforcement of state laws, with particular reference but not limited to organized crime and racketeering; the conduct of public officers and public employees; and any matter concerning public peace, safety and justice.

The Commission also can investigate the management of affairs of any state department, board, bureau, authority or agency, and recommend reforms and improvements in governmental operations.

Prominent examples of the more than 100 investigations successfully carried out by the SCI over the course of its history include multiple probes of the state Division of Motor Vehicles, the E-ZPass and enhanced motor-vehicle inspection contract procurements, organized crime infiltration of the boxing industry, casino gambling, the drug trade, criminal street gangs, motor fuel tax evasion, boarding home and psychiatric hospital abuses and local government corruption.

Who Can Request an Investigation by the SCI?

SCI investigations over the years have been undertaken as a result of contacts and referrals from many different sources. The Governor, members of the Legislature, and other public officials at the federal, state, county and local level can bring matters before the Commission.

So can average taxpayers. In fact, a substantial measure of the SCI's most recent work targeting abuses in new home construction and local government corruption has had its genesis in complaints filed by taxpayers. Rebuffed in their search for investigative help elsewhere in government, they turned to the SCI, and it's Website Hotline - and got results.