The Office of the Inspector General provides an oversight function on behalf of the director and deputy director of the Department of Corrections. The Office of the inspector general was created in 1990 as recommended by an investigative report to the Governor. The inspector general has broad responsibility for oversight of suspected, alleged or actual misconduct within the Department of Corrections, reporting to the director or deputy, and to other officials as required by law and the DOC Code of Conduct.

The Special Investigations Unit provides investigative services to all ODOC institutions and facilities. The unit has investigators specializing in fugitive apprehension and prevention, drug and contraband investigations, investigations and employee misconduct. The unit is a resource to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies by providing them with intelligence and investigative assistance as it relates to inmates' criminal misconduct.

The Department of Corrections Fugitive Apprehension Unit assists police in locating and apprehending inmates who escape from prison, walk away from a work crew, or abscond from community supervision.