New York State Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office
LEMIO
Summary
The Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office (LEMIO), created June 2020 within the Attorney General's office under Executive Law §75, receives and investigates complaints of corruption, excessive force, criminal activity, and abuse across New York's 500+ local law enforcement agencies (every agency employing police officers, excluding state-level LE under the State Inspector General). LEMIO has subpoena power, may compel testimony under oath, and may access sealed records including body-worn camera footage maintained by covered agencies. Officers must report wrongdoing, and agencies must refer officers with five or more complaints within two years. LEMIO's recommendations — including discipline, policy changes, monitoring, and training — are advisory only. Annual public reports are required.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | At will (weak protection) |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- New York Executive Law
- Citation
- N.Y. Exec. Law §75
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All 500+ local law enforcement agencies employing police officers statewide, excluding agencies under the State Inspector General, MTA IG, and Port Authority IG