Detroit Inspector General James W. Heath wants tips of corruption. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
DETROIT (WJBK) -
As inspector general for the City of Detroit, what does James W. Heath do?
"Root out fraud, abuse, waste and corruption in city government," he said.
Sounds like Superman. Well, he and his justice league just might be the right crew to help clean up the city because in a lot of ways Detroiters are looking for a brand new day.
"In November of 2011, the citizens of Detroit voted for a brand new charter," said Heath. "One of the most important changes that the citizens made was the establishment of the Office of Inspector General."
This independent agency has jurisdiction over all public servants in the city. So if anybody is not on their Ps and Qs, they should be petrified.
"That means city employees, elected and appointed officials, board members and the like, also, very importantly, contractors and subcontractors who are doing business with the City of Detroit," Heath explained.
"We are not law enforcement, so we can't kick in doors, but we do have the keys to all the contracts and all the doors here in the city and we will track down fraud and abuse and corruption wherever it may lie."
Heath is calling on all citizens. If you have a complaint, lodge it online at www.detoig.org or call the 24-hour hotline at (313) 964-8477. You can remain anonymous if you would like.
"Our hotline and our website launched today. Already we've been receiving complaints that we are already on top of investigating," Heath said.
Detroiters have been let down repeatedly. Several city leaders who have taken an oath to do right by them have disappointed the people. Some may say why should this agency be trusted? What is going to be different this time around?
"I've been appointed to a single, six year term. I cannot be reappointed, so I'm not trying to buck for this job again," said Heath. "The proof is always in the pudding. If you've got something you'd like to report, try us out, give us a call. We'll show you how we get back to you. We'll show you that we're going to follow up."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:02:09 GMT
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:00 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:00:12 GMT
Detroit police say a 16-year-old boy has been shot in the chest on the city's southwest side. FOX 2's Roop Raj says emergency crews were called to the scene near Sharon and W. Vernor. Thursday morning.
Detroit police say a 16-year-old boy has been shot in the chest on the city's southwest side. FOX 2's Roop Raj says emergency crews were called to the scene near Sharon and W. Vernor. Thursday morning.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
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Detroit Inspector General James W. Heath wants tips of corruption. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
