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The purpose of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to prevent and detect
fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement; and to promote economy, effectiveness,
and efficiency in government. The OIG is an independent entity within the Peace
Corps. The inspector general (IG) reports directly to the Peace Corps Director.
In addition, the IG reports to Congress semiannually with data on OIG activities.
The inspector general for the Peace Corps is Kathy A. Buller.
Major Functions of OIG
The OIG is authorized by law to review all programs and operations of the Peace Corps. The OIG professional staff has a range of skills:
Auditors
Auditors review functional activities of the Peace Corps, such as contract compliance and financial and program operations, to ensure accountability and to recommend improved levels of economy and efficiency.
Evaluators
Evaluators analyze the management and program operations of the Peace Corps at both overseas posts and domestic offices. They identify best practices and recommend program improvements and the means to comply with Peace Corps policies.
Investigators
Investigators respond to allegations of criminal or administrative wrongdoing by Peace Corps personnel, including experts and consultants, and by those who do business with the Peace Corps, including contractors.
OIG staff
In their on-site visits, OIG staff members encourage post self-evaluations, identify problem areas, and recommend corrective actions. They conduct inspections focused on administrative compliance with rules and regulations. In addition, they review the safety and security of Volunteers and staff. More broadly, OIG staff identify common problems and trends from post to post and offer guidance for quality improvements agency-wide.
Reportable Offenses
The OIG serves as the law enforcement arm of the Peace Corps and works
closely with the Department of State, the Department of Justice, and other
federal agencies.
The following are examples of offenses listed in the Peace
Corps Manual that should be reported to the OIG when they involve
Peace Corps staff, Volunteers, trainees, contractors, experts, or consultants;
or when they involve funds, including Peace Corps' appropriations,
host country contributions, or any other agency funding sources:
- Theft or embezzlement
- Fraud
- Unexplained deficiencies in federal funds
- Misuse or mismanagement of federal funds
- Illegal mutilation or destruction of a public record
- False statements, involving federal funds, accounts, or documents
- Illegal drug use
- Selling or importing/exporting narcotics, controlled drugs, or contraband
- Arson or vandalism
- Bribery, attempted bribery, or unlawful gratuities involving a government official
- Conflict of interest and other ethics violations
- Misuse of government vehicles, property, or transportation requests
- Significant violations of Peace Corps' regulations
- Sexual harassment/abuse by a co-worker or supervisor
- Violent crimes, including sexual assault and rape
- Kidnapping
- Disappearance
- Death (by any means, including suicide)
- Acts of terrorism and actions endangering the public health and safety
Contacting OIG
Persons concerned about possible wrongdoing can contact the OIG in person, in writing, by e-mail, or by telephoning the OIG Hotline at
800.233.5874. The OIG accepts anonymous complaints, but investigations are generally more effective if the complainant is available to provide information and documents upon request. The identity of an informant will be protected to the extent possible. Informants are protected from reprisal under the IG Act, as well as other statutes, and should notify the OIG of any real or perceived retaliation.
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