Office of Investigations
Mission
The Office of Investigations is committed to addressing allegations in an independent and objective manner, conducting criminal, civil and administrative investigations affecting programs and operations, encouraging professional development, and assisting the Department and agencies in preventing, as well as detecting, fraud.
The Office of Investigations conducts investigations of criminal, civil, and administrative misconduct related to organizational programs and operations. Investigations examine specific allegations, reports, or other information indicating possible violations of law or regulation.
Administrative violations are referred to the State Department's Bureau of Personnel and sometimes to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security for appropriate action
Individuals and employees suspected of violating federal statutes are referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution. Employees who are suspected of violating regulations, rules and policies are referred to the Bureau of Human Resources for disciplinary or administrative action. The office also maintains the OIG Hotline, a confidential channel for complaints about violations of law or regulation, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety.
Investigations conducted by OIG criminal investigators usually are the result of allegations received from Department or agency management or employees, other OIG units, Inspectors General of other agencies, the Congress, or the public. As necessary, the assistance of auditors, inspectors, and other experts may be enlisted in investigative operations.
The Inspector General is charged with fraud prevention as well as fraud detection. Toward this objective, the Office of Investigations issues Fraud Alert Bulletins and Management Implication Reports. Fraud Alert Bulletins are issued to all executive directors when an investigation identifies a systemic weakness that has an impact on all Department or agency bureaus or offices. Management Implication Reports are issued when a systemic weakness is identified in a bureau-specific program or operation. It is sent directly to the affected bureau or office with recommendations for corrective action.
-- Investigative Process Brochure
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