Review Process Steps

Matters alleging fraud, waste, abuse and corruption within the Executive Branch are considered complaints. Incoming complaints are logged into an electronic database tracking system, which automatically assigns a numeric file number.

Upon being assigned a case file number, the complaint is brought before the Intake Screening Committee to be analyzed for appropriate disposition. All non-anonymous complaints are acknowledged with a written response. After the Intake Screening Committee consultation, the Inspector General (IG) then directs one or more of the following actions.

Preliminary Inquiry

An informal investigation of complainant’s allegations will be conducted in order to determine whether an administrative investigation is warranted. Initial investigative steps are taken to properly determine what action should be pursued.

Administrative Investigation

Upon completion of a preliminary inquiry, the IG may determine that a full administrative investigation is warranted.

Criminal Investigation

Upon completion of a preliminary investigation, if there is reason to believe a violation of law has occurred, the case will be referred to the appropriate criminal investigative agency.

Close Case

Upon completion of a preliminary investigation, if it is determined that there is insufficient evidence to support the complaint, the matter will be closed.

Beyond OIG Legal Authority

If the IG determines that a complaint is beyond the legal authority of OIG, correspondence stating that the issue is not within our jurisdiction will be sent to the complainant. If it is determined that another agency is the proper forum for the complaint, the complaint may be forwarded to that agency.

OIG has the authority to decline to investigate a complaint received if it is determined that the complaint is trivial, frivolous, moot, insufficient for adequate investigation, or not made in good faith.