The Office of Public Integrity (OPI) was established under Mayor Duffy and incorporated with the City's existing Internal Audit Office. Our mission is to enhance public confidence in City government by providing a means to address and investigate reports of fraud, corruption, waste, and abuse. The office also has responsibility for implementation of the City’s Code of Ethics.
Integrity violations include, but are not limited to:
- Theft or misappropriation of City resources
- Falsification of official documents or reports
- Corruption or official misconduct, including misuse of City information, conflicts of interest, or offering or accepting bribes
- Personal use of City-owned vehicles, equipment or supplies
- Conducting personal business on City time
- Violations of City procurement policy or contract fraud
- Tampering with government records
- Obstructing, retaliating against, or tampering with a public servant.
The OPI may collaborate with the Bureau of Human Resources Management whenever necessary; however OPI does not investigate routine personnel issues such as employee grievances or complaints relating to civil rights and equal employment.
The OPI has the authority to identify and investigate concerns in all departments and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Mayor as well as any individuals or companies doing business with, or seeking to do business with the City of Rochester. The OPI will conduct preliminary inquiries, or criminal investigations when appropriate, in partnership with federal, state and local enforcement agencies.
The Audit unit of OPI examines controls, compliance, and the implementation of all City offices and programs. We consult with management staff to enhance and strengthen program performance. We strive to maintain and, if possible, strengthen the reliability and efficiency of all City offices and employees. We concentrate on what is working and what is not, and on finding opportunities to improve our effectiveness.
Contact Us
Our office is located in the Buckingham Commons Building at 85 Allen Street. This location is conducive to providing anonymity for those who want to meet with us confidentially.
Contact the Office of Public Integrity at (585) 428-7517, ShepparJ@cityofrochester.gov, or call our hotline at (585) 428-9340.
Professional Background
James Sheppard is the Director of the Office of Public Integrity/Inspector General for the City of Rochester. He has been in this position since March 1, 2010 and is honored to follow Richard Vega, who served with distinction as the first Inspector General in Rochester history.
Mr. Sheppard has over 29 years of public safety experience – 27 years with the Rochester Police Department serving in patrol, narcotics enforcement, neighborhood empowerment and professional standards. He also served two years as the Director of School Safety and Security for the RCSD. In his current capacity as Inspector General he continues to collaborate with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
He holds a BA Degree from Empire State College (State University of New York) in Criminal Justice and Community Service, and is a 1998 graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Mr. Sheppard also serves as the secretary of the Rochester Board of Ethics.
Whistle Blower Policy
The City of Rochester has a Whistle Blower policy to safeguard all employees from retaliatory actions that could be taken against them for reporting fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, or any alleged prohibited or illegal activity in violation of any law, rule or regulation governing employees of the City of Rochester. This policy is intended to protect officers and employees from retaliation who, in good faith, have reported a concern of improper governmental action. Click here to see the Whistle Blower Policy
The City of Rochester has a Code of Ethics to ensure that officers and employees of the City hold their positions to serve and benefit the public and not for personal gain or advantage. This Code of Ethics establishes clear and reasonable standards of ethical conduct by defining and prohibiting acts incompatible with the public interest and is contained in Chapter 2-18 of the City Code. Click here to see the Code of Ethics.
LINKS
OPI - Detecting, Preventing & Reporting Fraud, Abuse and Waste
OPI Manual
OPI Promotional Poster