October 1, 2001–March 31, 2002
Office of the Inspector General

OIG PROFILE

The OIG is a statutorily created independent entity in the Department whose mission is to detect and deter waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct in Department programs and personnel and to promote economy and efficiency in Department programs. The IG, who is appointed by the President subject to Senate confirmation, reports to the Attorney General and Congress.

The OIG investigates alleged violations of criminal and civil laws, regulations, and ethical standards arising from the conduct of Department employees in their numerous and diverse activities. The OIG also audits and inspects Department programs and assists management in promoting integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

The OIG consists of the Immediate Office of the IG and the following divisions and offices:

Audit Division is responsible for independent audits of Department programs, computer systems, and financial statements.

Investigations Division is responsible for investigating allegations of bribery, fraud, abuse, civil rights violations, and violations of other criminal laws and administrative procedures that govern Department employees, contractors, and grantees.

Evaluation and Inspections Division provides an alternative mechanism to traditional audits and investigations to review Department programs and activities.

Office of Oversight and Review blends the skills of attorneys, investigators, and program analysts to investigate or review high-profile or sensitive matters involving Department programs or employees.

Office of General Counsel provides legal advice to OIG management and staff. In addition, the office drafts memoranda on issues of law; prepares administrative subpoenas; represents the OIG in personnel, contractual, and legal matters; and responds to Freedom of Information Act requests.

Management and Planning Division assists the OIG by providing services in the areas of planning, budget, finance, quality assurance, personnel, training, procurement, automated data processing, computer network communications, and general support.

The current reporting period is the first full reporting period in which the OIG has had the authority to conduct investigations throughout the entire Department. In July 2001, the Attorney General expanded the OIG's jurisdiction to include authority to conduct criminal or administrative investigations of FBI and DEA employees. Previously, investigations of FBI and DEA employee misconduct were handled by internal affairs units within those agencies unless the Attorney General or the Deputy Attorney General specifically assigned an allegation involving FBI or DEA employees to the OIG.

The OIG carried out its mission during this reporting period with a nationwide workforce of approximately 360 special agents, auditors, inspectors, attorneys, and support staff. For FY 2002 the OIG's direct appropriation is $50.735 million. Additionally, the OIG expects to earn reimbursements totaling $3.868 million.

This Report reviews the accomplishments of the OIG for the 6-month period ending March 31, 2002. As required by Section 5 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, this Report is submitted no later than April 30, 2002, to the Attorney General for his review. No later than May 31, 2002, the Attorney General is required to forward the Report to Congress along with his Semiannual Management Report to Congress, which presents the Department's position on audit resolution and follow-up activity discussed in the Report.

Information about the OIG and many of its reports are available on the OIG's website at www.usdoj.gov/oig.