Frequently Asked Questions
What role does a HUD employee play in an OIG investigation?
A HUD employee can play one of three critical roles in an investigation. They can be a witness, program expert, or the subject of the investigation. Each is defined below:
Witness: an individual who can attest to the facts or events involving an investigation.
Program Expert: A person with special skills or knowledge in a particular program area.
Subject: A person whose conduct is within the scope of the investigation.
All Departmental employees are required to cooperate fully with the IG when requested in any investigation related to their official duties.
Where do I get information on an investigation?
While an investigation is ongoing we will not be able to provide any information. Once the investigation has concluded you will be able to request copies of information from our Office of Legal Counsel.
What authority do HUD OIG Special Agents have?
The Inspector General Act of 1978, Public Law 95-452, as amended 5 United States Code (USC) Appendix 3, authorizes our special agents to:
- Carry a firearm while engaged in official duties as authorized under this Act or other statute, or expressly authorized by the Attorney General;
- Make an arrest without a warrant while engaged in official duties as authorized under this Act or other statute, or as expressly authorized by the Attorney General, for any offense against the United States committed in the presence of such Inspector General, Assistant Inspector General, or agent, or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if such Inspector General, Assistant Inspector General, or agent has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to arrested has committed or is committing such felony; and
- Seek and execute warrants for arrest, search of a premises, or seizure of evidence issued under the authority of the United States upon probable cause to believe that a violation has been committed.