Return to the Table of Contents

Semiannual Report to Congress

April 1, 2002–September 30, 2002
Office of the Inspector General


OIG PROFILE

The OIG is a statutorily created independent entity 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 operations. The Inspector General (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 sensitive matters involving Department programs or employees.

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, and computer network communications.

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.

The OIG has jurisdiction to review programs and personnel in all Department components, including the FBI, DEA, BOP, INS, USMS, the U.S. Attorneys' Offices (USAOs), and all other Department organizations. Since its creation in 1989, the OIG has had the authority to conduct audits and inspections in all Department components and investigations of employee misconduct in all components except the FBI and DEA.

The OIG carried out its mission during this reporting period with a nationwide workforce of approximately 380 special agents, auditors, inspectors, attorneys, and support staff. In fiscal year (FY) 2002, the OIG received $50.701 million in direct appropriations and earned an additional $3.858 million in reimbursements.

This Semiannual Report to Congress (Report) reviews the accomplishments of the OIG for the 6-month period ending September 30, 2002. As required by Section 5 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (IG Act), as amended, this Report is submitted no later than October 31, 2002, to the Attorney General for his review. No later than November 30, 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 full-text versions of many of its reports are available on the OIG's website at www.usdoj.gov/oig.