Federal authorities are investigating a Florida technology company, Saferwatch, and its connections to Mayor Eric Adams’ top officials. The company tried to influence city officials to use its emergency alert app in public schools, hiring lobbyists and government relations firms linked to the mayor’s aides. The FBI has seized electronic devices and questioned individuals involved, but the mayor’s officials are continuing their duties despite the investigations.
The ongoing federal investigation into City Hall insiders has shifted its focus to a Florida technology company, Saferwatch, which employed the brother of two top officials of Mayor Eric Adams. The scrutiny intensified following reports of Saferwatch’s attempts to influence Deputy Mayor Philip Banks and Schools Chancellor David Banks to adopt its emergency alert app in New York City public schools. Saferwatch’s efforts were supported by lobbyist Corey Johnson and the Pearl Alliance, a government relations firm run by Terence Banks.
Saferwatch, based in Boca Raton, started pushing for their “panic button” app to be implemented in city schools in 2022. They engaged lobbyist Corey Johnson, who met with Deputy Mayor Banks and Schools Chancellor David Banks to present their product. Records suggest that Deputy Mayor Banks took prompt action on the tech company’s proposal after meeting with Johnson. Subsequently, the NYPD’s school safety unit conducted a test run of the “panic button” in five schools, including prominent institutions like Stuyvesant High School and Bronx High School of Science.
The interactions between Saferwatch and the Banks brothers have drawn the attention of Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams as part of multiple investigations targeting the Adams administration. Saferwatch’s efforts to secure city business began early in Mayor Adams’ tenure, culminating in meetings with both David and Philip Banks.
Following the raids on the homes of the Banks brothers, other top aides to the mayor, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban, were visited by the FBI. Despite the scrutiny, Mayor Adams has affirmed that David and Philip Banks will continue their roles in his administration.
Saferwatch’s spokesperson, Hank Sheinkopf, has stated that neither the company nor its employees are the focus of any investigation, highlighting Saferwatch’s collaboration with law enforcement agencies, schools, and businesses nationwide. The company’s engagement with the Banks brothers through lobbyist Corey Johnson and the Pearl Alliance has come under scrutiny, with questions arising about potential conflicts of interest.
The unfolding investigation underscores the complexities of government relations and the importance of transparency and accountability in dealings between public officials and private entities. The implications of these interactions on the integrity of the public procurement process and ethical standards within the administration remain key areas of concern for federal authorities and the public at large.
As the investigation continues to unfold, it is essential for all parties involved to cooperate fully with federal authorities and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct to maintain public trust and confidence in the government’s operations.
Source: TheCity.NYC
