Call-system reviews cite lack of city oversight, recommend less outsourcing

Azi Paybarah

The city’s top investigator said it “was nothing short of governmental malpractice” that led to the costly delay in overhauling the city’s emergency call system, which critics say caused emergency responders precious time when responding to calls.

The preliminary findings from Department of Investigation commissioner Mark Peters said there are no signs of illegality but recommended City Hall put one person in charge of the Emergency Communications Transformation Program and that an “integrity monitor” be installed to prevent mismanagement and fraud.

City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who conducted the review with Peters, said in a statement, “Instead of strong City governance, the project outsourced critical responsibilities to consultants who were insufficiently accountable to the City.”

Peters said, “ECTP has suffered from significant mismanagement which at times was nothing short of governmental malpractice. The good news is: We can fix this. ”

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2014/08/8550296/call-system-reviews-cite-lack-city-oversight-recommend-less-outsou