Inspector General Act

The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended (IG Act), establishes the responsibilities and duties of an Inspector General. In brief, the IG Act grants the OIG the authority to

• determine which audits, investigations, inspections, and reviews are necessary and issue reports recommending corrective actions without improper interference from agency heads
• receive full access to all records and materials available to the agency
• issue administrative subpoenas to nonfederal entities
• exercise law enforcement authority
• receive employee and other complaints
• refer criminal and civil matters to the United States Attorney General
• hire employees, experts, and consultants and procure necessary equipment and services
• obtain assistance from other agencies, including federal, state, and local governments