Purpose

To determine the extent of implementation of the three recommendations included in our initial audit report, Oversight of Persons Convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (2015-N-2).

Background

In New York City, persons convicted of DWI who are sentenced to a conditional discharge are monitored by the Queens County District Attorney’s Office (Office). Our initial report, which was issued on July 29, 2016, found that while 9,604 offenders overseen by the Office received court orders to install an ignition interlock device (IID), only 1,952 (20 percent) did. We also found material non-compliance with the Office’s protocols to minimize the risk that offenders would drive vehicles without IIDs. Specifically, the Office often did not perform all required quarterly Department of Motor Vehicles vehicle ownership checks and/or did not refer stipulated IID violation alerts to the appropriate courts, district attorneys, and rehabilitation programs.

Key Finding

The Office has made significant progress in addressing the issues identified in our initial report. Of the three prior audit recommendations, two were implemented and one was partially implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of the follow-up review to provide information on any actions that are 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 (Follow-Up) (2016-F-30)