The Office of Public Integrity (OPI) was established under Mayor Duffy and incorporated with the City's existing Internal Audit Office. Our mission is to enhance public confidence in City government by providing a means to address and investigate reports of fraud, corruption, waste, and abuse. The office also has responsibility for implementation of the City’s Code of Ethics.
The OPI has the authority to identify and investigate concerns in all departments and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Mayor as well as any individuals or companies doing business with, or seeking to do business with the City of Rochester. The OPI will conduct preliminary inquiries, or criminal investigations when appropriate, in partnership with federal, state and local enforcement agencies.
The Audit unit of OPI examines controls, compliance, and the implementation of all City offices and programs. We consult with management staff to enhance and strengthen program performance. We strive to maintain and, if possible, strengthen the reliability and efficiency of all City offices and employees. We concentrate on what is working and what is not, and on finding opportunities to improve our effectiveness.
Contact Us
Our office is located in the Buckingham Commons Building at 85 Allen Street. This location is conducive to providing anonymity for those who want to meet with us confidentially.
Contact the Office of Public Integrity at (585) 428-6060, vegar@cityofrochester.gov, or call our hotline at (585) 428-9340.
Professional Background
Richard C. Vega is the Director of the Office of Public Integrity/Inspector General for the City of Rochester. He has been in this newly established position since October 2006 and has the distinction of being the first Inspector General in Rochester history.
Vega has 35 years of law enforcement experience – he served as a City police officer, and is a retired agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In his current capacity as Inspector General he continues to work closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
He holds a BA Degree from the College at Brockport State University of New York, is a graduate of the FBI Academy and received his Inspector General Certification at American University in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Vega is a member of the board of directors for the Rochester Housing Authority and secretary of the Rochester Board of Ethics.
Whistle Blower Policy
The City of Rochester has a Whistle Blower policy to safeguard all employees from retaliatory actions that could be taken against them for reporting fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, or any alleged prohibited or illegal activity in violation of any law, rule or regulation governing employees of the City of Rochester. This policy is intended to protect officers and employees from retaliation who, in good faith, have reported a concern of improper governmental action. City employees can review a copy of this policy on the employee portal.
Code of Ethics
The City of Rochester has a Code of Ethics to ensure that officers and employees of the City hold their positions to serve and benefit the public and not for personal gain or advantage. This Code of Ethics establishes clear and reasonable standards of ethical conduct by defining and prohibiting acts incompatible with the public interest and is contained in Chapter 2-18 of the City Code. Click here to see the Code of Ethics.