About the OIG

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General Overview

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Inspector General (OIG) was established in 1989 by the Secretary in accordance with the Inspector General Act Amendments of 1998. The OIG is headed by an Inspector General who is appointed by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the United States Senate. The Inspector General reports to the Secretary of the Treasury through the Deputy Secretary and provides the Secretary with independent and objective reviews of the department's operations. The Inspector General is required to keep both the Secretary and the Congress fully and currently informed about the problems and deficiencies relating to the administration of department programs and operations and the necessity for corrective action. Serving with the Inspector General in the Immediate Office is a Deputy Inspector General. During FY 2004, the OIG has an authorized budget of $13,000,000 and a staff of 100 full-time civil servants.

Current Inspector General

Eric Thorson (Inspector General)

Dennis S. Schindel (Deputy Inspector General)

IG Act Overview

In brief, The IG Act of 1978, as amended, grants the OIG the administrative authority to:

• Receive full access to all records and materials available to the Agency.
• Determine which audits, investigations, inspections, and reviews are necessary and issue appropriate reports.
• Issue subpoenas for non-Federal records.
• Report directly to the head of the Agency.
• Receive employee and other complaints, protect sources, and when necessary, refer matters to the United States Attorney General.
• Hire employees, experts, and consultants and procure necessary equipment and services.
• Obtain assistance from other agencies, including Federal, State, and local governments.  

Last Updated: October 7, 2008