Suffolk County Board of Ethics

Complaint Overview

Any person may file a Complaint with the Board of Ethics alleging a violation of the Suffolk County Code of Ethics (Article I, Chapter 77 of the Laws of Suffolk County) by a current or former "public servant." A "public servant" includes all officials, officers and employees of the County, whether paid or unpaid.

Complaint Process

1. Complete the Ethics Violation Complaint form, which may be found at: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/formsdocs/Boardofethics/2024 Ethics Violation Complaint Form.pdf Include the following on the Form:
   • The name of the individual who is the subject of the Complaint.
   • A description of the allegations (e.g., what happened) that could result in a violation of the County’s Code of Ethics. You should provide as much information as you can, including dates, times, and places.
   • Copies of any documentation or exhibits in your possession at the time the complaint is filed to support the allegations contained in the Complaint.
2. Submit the Complaint form:
   BY MAIL: Suffolk County Board of Ethics
   PO Box 6100
   Hauppauge, NY 11788

   BY E-MAIL: ethicsboard@suffolkcountyny.gov

What to Expect After Filing a Complaint

Whenever a written Complaint is received by the Board, the Board will:

1. Determine whether it has “jurisdiction” (e.g., the power to make a decision) over the individual against who the Complaint is made and over the allegations made in the Complaint.
2. Assuming there is jurisdiction, conduct a fact-finding/ investigation. As part of this you may be contacted by Board staff in order to obtain more information. After this initial factfinding, the Board may:
1. Dismiss the Complaint if it determines that there is no reasonable cause to believe that a public servant or former public servant has committed a violation; or
2. Make an initial determination that there is reasonable cause to believe that a public servant or former public servant has violated a provision of the County’s Code of Ethics or other applicable provision of law; or
3. Refer an alleged violation to the head of the agency served by the public servant if related disciplinary charges are pending against the public servant.
3. If the Board makes an initial determination of reasonable cause the Board will notify the public servant or former public servant of its determination and provide them with an opportunity to respond. They will also be notified that they have the right to counsel.
4. If, after reviewing the public servant or former public servant’s response, the Board finds that there continues to be reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred, the Board will direct a hearing to be held on the record to determine whether a violation has occurred or shall refer the matter to the appropriate agency if the public servant is subject to the jurisdiction of any state law or collective bargaining agreement which provides for the conduct of disciplinary proceedings. The Board's Hearing Procedure may be found here:
   https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/formsdocs/boardofethics/Procedures/FINAL%209.4.24%20ETHICS%20HEARING%20RULES%20PROCEDURES.pdf
5. If after a hearing or the opportunity for a hearing, the Board determines that that there has been a violation, the Board shall issue a decision and order setting forth its conclusions and imposing such penalties as it deems appropriate.

Confidentiality

With some exceptions set forth in the law, testimony received or any other information obtained by a member of the Board or Board staff in connection with the investigation of a Complaint is confidential and cannot be disclosed to any person or entity outside the Board. However, if there ultimately is a finding of a violation by the Board, that finding may be made public.