Tips and Complaints

TIP LINE: 800-87-ETHICS (800-873-8442)

The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics investigates potential violations of the state's ethics laws (Public Officers Law 73, 73-a, and 74), the "Little Hatch Act" (Civil Service Law 107), and the Lobbying Act (Legislative Law article 1-a) as they apply to state legislators, candidates for the Legislature and legislative employees, as well as the four statewide elected officials, candidates for those offices, executive branch state employees, certain political party chairs, and lobbyists and their clients.

Investigations may be commenced by:

• The Commission's own initiative, which may occur through information or allegations obtained by the Commission, tips from the public, media coverage, or any other method in which information indicating a potential violation may be obtained.
• A sworn complaint, which may be filed in written form by any person and must allege facts constituting a violation of the laws under the Commission's jurisdiction, and must be sworn to under oath before an attesting officer (i.e., a notary public).
• A formal referral from a government entity containing information or allegations that may constitute a violation of the laws under the Commission's jurisdiction.

Before filing a tip or complaint with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, please be aware the Commission's jurisdiction is limited as described above. If your matter does not include potential violations of laws under the Commission's jurisdiction, you may consider contacting one of the agencies listed through the link at the bottom of this page.

Please be aware, filing a complaint with JCOPE does not stop or extend the time for you to seek a remedy available to you under other laws.

What happens after a complaint is filed?

Once the Commission has received a written sworn complaint that has been determined to conform to the Commission's complaint procedures and allege a violation of law under the Commission's jurisdiction, pursuant to Executive Law 94, the subject of a complaint (Respondent) will be notified that a complaint alleging certain violations has been received by the Commission and will be afforded 15 days to respond to the complaint. This letter does not serve to commence a full investigation. The statute provides that the Commission must vote before a full investigation of the matter can be commenced to determine whether a substantial basis exists to conclude that a violation of law has occurred. As a matter of law, such Commission proceedings are confidential and thus, complainants may not be notified of any Commission action regarding their complaint unless and until there is final action that can be publicly disclosed pursuant to Executive Law 94.

Does the Joint Commission on Public Ethics offer legal advice?

The Commission does issue advisory opinions interpreting state ethics laws, the Little Hatch Act and the Lobbying Act upon written request by any person subject to the Commission's jurisdiction. Please see ourAdvisory Opinions page. However, the Commission does not offer legal advice or representation for individuals. If you believe you may have an individual legal claim you may wish to consult with a private attorney.

Who do I contact for other types of complaints?

Link to Resources

• HOME
• FILE A COMPLAINT
• REPORT A TIP
• SWORN COMPLAINT FORM