Office of Inspector General

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Definition - What does Office of Inspector General mean?

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a body of specialists representing different bureaus within the United States Department of Interior (DOI) tasked with the responsibility of maintaining legitimate administrative, institutional, and organizational programs and services against fraudulent activity, wasteful expenditure, and misappropriation of funds. OIG personnel act in the official capacity to ensure that taxpayer money is earmarked towards supporting government lands and resources, protecting cultural heritages, preserving national parks and wildlife reserves, and safeguarding historical landmarks and monuments.

SureHire explains Office of Inspector General

The Inspector General Act of 1978 authorizes OIG employees to obtain classified information for referential purposes in coordinating audits and investigations against suspected criminal actions. Government mishandling of public funds can result in budgetary deficits due to erroneous oversight or deliberate manipulation of allocated money within DOI agency(s). As a civil servant, OIG representatives are assigned to identify all forms of corruption with the universal objective of retaining DOI standards of merit, sound reputation, and validity.

Common allegations of illegal activities can include bribery, embezzlement, fraudulent claims for money/resources, misuse of federal revenue, and whistleblower retribution. A team of OIG employees collaborate together to collect and scrutinize details and facts in order to establish a legal case followed by prosecutorial action. Criminal misconduct can incur a negative perception from Congress and the general public, in particular, when tax-based funding results in bureaucratic mistakes.

The U.S. Department of Interior depends on practical, soluble, and tactical strategies carried out by OIG bureau officials in defending ecological and environmental interests per federal regulations and statutes. Eliminating criminal acts can help align public confidence and trust with the government in matters of taxpayer spending.

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