IGO Review of Mileage Use in the Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau
October 18, 2011
Earlier this year, the IGO completed an investigation into mileage reimbursement claims in the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB). In short, the IGO found that in 2009 – just a one-year snapshot of what many in the CFD volunteered has been a decades-long practice – 54 FPB inspectors and supervisors conservatively stole approximately $100,000 taxpayer dollars by filing false certifications for mileage reimbursement. As detailed in the report, the IGO recommended the termination of these 54 employees and also made a number of program recommendations respecting the City’s fire prevention inspection function based on information and analysis developed through the investigation.
Following CFD’s response to the investigation, the IGO made two additional recommendations. First, the IGO recommended the Administration issue an executive order that establishes theft of City funds or property as a ‘per se’ terminable offense for all City employees without regard to the knowledge, acquiescence, encouragement or involvement of supervisory personnel, and (2) requires City employees who have knowledge of City employees, including supervisory personnel, engaging in such theft to report it to the IGO.. Second, given that the inspectors who were the subject of investigation have a formal record of theft and dishonesty, the IGO recommends that the CFD create a method of alerting prosecutors, judges and attorneys to this investigation’s findings should any of the inspectors be required to provide testimony in criminal, civil, and or administrative proceedings.