RyeCity REVIEW THE
September 30, 2022 | Vol. 10, Number 39 | www.ryecityreview.com
County introduces project director for domestic violence team GARNETS TOP
TIGERS Mamaroneck and Rye square off on Sept. 24, 2022. The Garnets beat the Tigers 2-1 on goals by Maddy Walsh and Devon O’Donnell. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
State cracks down on pandemic unemployment fraud Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Sept. 26 actions to crack down on unemployment insurance fraud after a New York State Department of Labor, DOL, investigation found that insurance fraud accounted for more than $11 million in benefits payments in August. These benefits were paid almost exclusively to those working while also collecting unemployment insurance payments during the pandemic. Following the Department of Labor’s investigation, Hochul announced that the state would seek repayment for fraudulent benefits payments and refer nonpayment to state law enforcement. Based on this investigation, the Department of Labor Office of Special Investigations is on pace to uncover $110 million in fraudulently attained benefits this year. “At the height of the pandemic, when our state experienced an unprecedented unemployment crisis, these fraudulent unemployment insurance claims took resources away from New Yorkers who needed them most,” Hochul said. “My administration is taking action to step up our investigations of unemployment insurance fraud, hold those who take advantage of the system accountable, and protect this crucial benefit for New Yorkers in need.” The fraudulent payments were identified by DOL using an
upgraded fraud detection system. The system allows investigators to more efficiently review cases and streamlines records requests to employers in order to confirm dates of employment. If the system detects a fraudulent payment, the claimant has an opportunity to explain the discrepancy. Following the review, if the claimant is found to have worked while collecting benefits, DOL will take steps to ensure that ill-gotten payments are returned. This includes establishing repayment plans, garnishing state and federal tax returns and referring matters of nonpayment to state and/or federal law enforcement, as needed. New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “When someone files a fraudulent unemployment insurance claim, they are stealing from New Yorkers. The Department remains vigilant and will continue to ensure that these criminals are held accountable. We thank businesses and employers for working with us to uncover fraud.” This new system is part of DOL’s modernization efforts which include a 4-year plan to enhance customer experience and reduce fraud. In June, Hochul announced that DOL is halfway through this plan.
Expanding the county’s mission to reduce domestic violence cases across Westchester County, the Office for Women, OFW, has received a federal grant for the Westchester County Domestic Violence High Risk Team, DVHRT. David Ryan, former chief of Pound Ridge Police for the past 23 years and a member of law enforcement for more than 40 years, will serve in the new post, through a contract with Hope’s Door, a Westchester-based domestic violence services provider funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. Ryan will be responsible for reviewing domestic violence cases from a law enforcement perspective, following the county executive’s commitment to improving community/police response to family violence. The team will help connect victims with the appropriate service providers. Ryan, along with DVHRT Coordinator Nancy Tunis of OFW, will oversee the continued DVHRT training of the county’s local police departments, with the five remaining police departments scheduled for training this fall. Westchester “Our Office for Women is a model for New York State and the Country, in response to serious family violence and intimate partner violence training,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “We introduced the DVHRT program in an attempt to prevent future high-risk violence, and we have seen this training pay dividends in the communities who are already using it. This program is effective because our
police are participating in training with fellow members of law enforcement, and with their help, we are working towards establishing long-term safety and security for our victims.” Director of OFW Robi Schlaff added: “When we look at all the partners involved to protect a family from domestic violence, law enforcement is often the first point of contact. We are fortunate to have the most professional and competent partners in law enforcement here in Westchester. Our utmost concern will always be protecting the safety of Westchester County’s residents and families, and by working together with our police, we know we can successfully accomplish that goal.” Of the county’s 42 local police departments, only one remains to be trained, with Mount Vernon, Larchmont and Harrison scheduled for September. “Reducing the risk of violence stemming from domestic disputes has always been my passion, and when you have a long career in law enforcement, it’s possible to experience too many tragic and violent homicides,” Ryan said. “I have seen enough pain and suffering over the years that I knew could have been prevented, so I am personally invested in seeing this program succeed. We have seen a dramatic difference in the way our police officers respond with this new training, and while public safety will always be our mantra, we have a much more empathic and compassionate approach when we are engaged with victims of domestic violence.”