New York State nears launch of new prosecutorial misconduct commission

The state is one step closer to launching a long-awaited panel designed to root out prosecutorial misconduct across New York.

Applications are being solicited for an administrator to lead the newly-formed Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct that would oversee and discipline prosecutors who violate state judicial rules, officials announced Monday.

Legislation to create the commission was signed by former Gov. Cuomo in 2021. But the body has been bogged down in delays and court challenges.

The bill calls for the commission to make recommendations to grievance committees and strengthens the governor’s ability to remove wayward prosecutors.

State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, a Democrat who represents the Bronx and Mount Vernon, sponsored the legislation and called the creation of the commission a historic step.

Cuomo resigned from office shortly after signing the bill, leaving it to his successor, Gov. Hochul, to make the necessary four appointments required from the executive chamber.

There are 10 people on the commission.

Now that all 10 slots are filled, the commission has launched a search for its inaugural administrator.

“The commission is eager to begin its work,” said a commission representative. “To do that, we must first hire an administrator as required by the new law.”

Hochul has allotted $1.75 million in two consecutive state budgets to fund the commission’s work.

Supporters of the commission say the panel will help correct a system that shields prosecutors from public scrutiny even in cases where they send innocent people to prison based on faulty evidence or corruption.

Candidates must be attorneys admitted to the bar of New York State who have not served as a district attorney or an assistant district attorney in New York.