“For the second time this month, I would like to commend one of our inspectors for reporting a bribe to the Department of Investigation that led to an arrest. The honest work of these inspectors reflects the integrity of so many of our employees and the recent strides we have made to fight corruption. We have a duty to enforce the law and protect the public, and I am proud to say these inspectors fulfilled their duty to this Department, their coworkers and millions of New Yorkers. I would like to thank DOI Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn and her staff for their immediate and decisive action, and I urge our employees to continue telling the contractors in this City that they can keep their money.”
“I would like to commend one of our inspectors for reporting a bribe to the Department of Investigation, which led to the October 6th arrest of Hersel Hedvat, a Manhattan business owner. Our inspector told DOI investigators that Hedvat offered him money not to issue a violation and a Stop Work Order after he failed to have proper plans at a construction site at 1324 Lexington Avenue. Our inspector flatly refused and issued the Stop Work Order, which is still in effect. This inspector exemplifies the hard work and integrity of so many people at the Buildings Department who have dedicated their lives to protecting the public and ensuring safe development. New Yorkers are depending on all of us to make construction sites safer, and this inspector shows why they should. I would like to thank DOI for their prompt action, and I encourage all employees to report any wrongdoing immediately.”