I thought he was an elevator inspector, maybe.

The Council's investigation began shortly after 42 elevator inspectors were suspended in April 1996.

But in the city, the elevator inspectors do not attend any safety training sessions.

Others may have gone into collusion with private elevator inspectors to find nonexistent problems and solicit bribes for keeping them quiet.

Some elevator consultants may also work as private elevator inspectors.

Since then, 12 of the department's 22 elevator inspectors have received amusement ride training.

The investigation of elevator inspectors adds to a legacy of city inspection scandals going back decades.

B1 An elevator inspector in New York has gained the status of a living landmark.

The Buildings Department is putting together a program that would allow elevator inspectors to report their findings on- site, with palm computers.

In New York, enforcement has been handicapped by the loss of nearly half the city's elevator inspectors over the past 15 years.