Research

Scope and Content Note

All case files contain reports to the Civil Service Commission usually accompanied by a transcript of a hearing conducted by a Department of Civil Service attorney. These reports identify the names of the appellant, the representative from the office whose determination is appealed, any witnesses, and the Department of Civil Service hearing officer. Reports contain a history of the appeal, the charges against the individual, the appellant's written answer to these charges, analysis of the record of appeal, the facts of the case and conclusions determined by the hearing officer, and his recommendations. Often included with the report is a transcript of testimony taken by the hearing officer, the record of the original case (including hearing transcripts, copy of charges, correspondence, and memoranda), and other correspondence and memoranda concerning the case.

Some files also contain internal commission and department memorandums discussing the case, related legal and court records, and other material such as press clippings and petitions. Cases involve a wide range of offenses including official misconduct, incompetency, non-attendance, and infringements of the Public Officers Law. Many 1950s cases involve the removal of employees for political activity under the Security Risk Law. See also Series B0506, Civil Service Commission Security Risk Program Files 1950-1960.