DCJS Examiner Arrested For Improper Searches, Inspector General Reports

ALBANY, NY (06/03/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Inspector General Joseph Fisch announced the arrest of a longtime Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) employee after she allegedly searched a confidential database more than 200 times for possible information on her bosses, co-workers, and family.

Jacqueline Hankle, 57, of Averill Park, was charged with computer trespass, a felony, and official misconduct. Hankle looked up her nephew's ex-wife more than 90 times during the couple's custody battle, according to the Inspector General's report released today. She was arrested Wednesday and released pending a Guilderland Town Court appearance June 10.

Hankle, a 39-year employee who works at the Guilderland office, told the Inspector General that she accessed DCJS databases "for the safety of her niece" and looked up co-workers "only to learn their birthdays" so she could arrange office parties.

Inspector General Fisch forwarded his report to the Albany County District Attorney's office and also recommended that DCJS take disciplinary action against Hankle for violating the agency's Security of Information Policy. Hankle was suspended from DCJS without pay in May.

The case came to light after a DCJS auditor noted improper searches by Hankle, a fingerprint examiner who may only conduct official inquiries. Further investigation revealed 209 illegal searches of 22 individuals from 2000 to 2008, the report states.

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