Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the four recommendations included in our initial audit report: Oversight of Persons Convicted of Driving While Intoxicated, issued October 7, 2015 (Report 2014-N-4).

Background

Our initial audit report, issued on October 7, 2015, examined the oversight of persons convicted of DWI by the New York City Department of Probation (Probation). In New York City, persons convicted of DWI are monitored by either the Queens District Attorney’s Office or Probation. An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) connects to the vehicle’s ignition system, and the vehicle operator must blow into the device before the vehicle can be started. The IID will notify Probation and prohibit the driver from starting the car if the operator’s blood alcohol concentration exceeds a preset level. For the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016, the courts ordered the installation of 1,084 IIDs for offenders under Probation’s supervision. We found that only a small percentage of the IIDs were installed in the cars of persons cited for alcohol-related motor vehicle violations and that Probation Officers (POs) often did not provide sufficient oversight of DWI offenders. We also found that referral of probation violators were not made to the appropriate courts and District Attorneys as required.

Key Finding

We found that Probation officials made considerable progress in correcting the problems we identified. However, additional improvements are still needed. Of the initial report’s four audit recommendations, two were implemented and two were partially implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on actions planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this review.

Other Related Audit/Report of Interest

New York City Department of Probation: Oversight of Persons Convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (2014-N-4)