Frequently Asked Questions

The function of the OIG is to investigate allegations of fraud, waste, abuse and corruption within the Executive Branch of Georgia State government. The Office of Inspector General is an independent, objective investigatory agency. It does not represent any party or agency in an investigation and does not investigate on "behalf" of any individual or agency. OIG conducts investigations without regard to partisan politics allegiances, status, or influence. If an individual is seeking legal representation, s/he should consult an attorney.

You should contact the Office of Inspector General whenever you have reason to suspect fraud, waste, abuse and corruption within the Executive Branch of state government.

The Office of Inspector General has jurisdiction over all state agencies and state employees within the Executive Branch of government including the Governor's office. Specifically excluded from the office's jurisdiction is the General Assembly and any Court.

The Office of Inspector General investigates allegations of fraud, waste, abuse and corruption including, for example, ghost payrolling, abuse of state property, procurement fraud, serious or systematic abuse of time and travel regulations, improper use of state funds, conflicts of interests, fraud/theft in office ( i.e. full time pay for work not performed), among others; this list is not exhaustive.

We decline to investigate the following types of complaints (list is not exhaustive): • related to city or municipal officials, county officials, federal officials or federal or state judges • an employee is merely dissatisfied with a supervisor or work assignment • anything that has been fully adjudicated (administratively or in a court) or is pending before an administrative agency or pending in civil or criminal court • prisoner complaints that have been adjudicated through administrative and criminal review channels • violations of whistleblower law

A complaint may be filed with this office in writing, preferably through our online complaint form. You may file a complaint by: (1) mailing your complaint to: Office of the State Inspector General 2 M.L.K. Jr. Dr., SW 1102 West Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334 or; (2) submitting the online complaint form found on this website.

Under certain circumstances, the Office of the Inspector General may be able to keep your identity confidential. In addition, Georgia law provides whistle-blower protection for state employees who report wrongdoing. See O.C.G.A. §45-1-4(a) (2) (c). While the Office of Inspector General will not affirmatively publish names and other information, there is a possibility that the information could become public after the close of the investigation.

Yes. However, you are encouraged to identify yourself so that we may follow-up with you, if necessary, to obtain additional information that would aid in our investigation.

If the complaint alleges fraud, waste, abuse or corruption in the Executive Branch, your complaint may be assigned to an investigator for review. The assignment process may be delayed due to the number of open complaints in the office. Once assigned, the investigator will take the appropriate steps to investigate the allegations.

We will make every effort to refer your complaint to the appropriate agency or organization that can provide assistance.

Generally, we will only contact you if we need additional information or clarification. If appropriate, we may refer your concerns to another agency and advise you as such.

We often receive inquiries about how long an investigation will last. Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to predict the length of an investigation. The time period is determined by the nature of the allegations, the number of interviews that need to be completed, the number of investigations already opened in the office, whether the case is undergoing a criminal investigation by law enforcement, and the priority level of the case.

You can file an Open Records Request by: (1) emailing your request to: [email protected] or; (2) mailing your request to: Office of the State Inspector General 2 M.L.K. Jr. Dr., SW 1102 West Tower Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 45-12-210 through O.C.G.A. 45-12-216, the Office of Inspector General has the authority to enter upon the premises of any state agency at any time without prior announcement, to inspect the premises or to investigate any complaint. The Office of Inspector General also has the authority to question any state employee serving in, and any other person transacting business with, the state agency. In addition, the Office of Inspector General has the authority to inspect and copy any books, records, or papers in the possession of the state agency, except where otherwise prohibited by law.

The Office of Inspector General additionally has the authority to employ peace officers, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas.

The Office of Inspector General is a relatively small investigative agency. Currently, the office is supported by a dedicated full-time staff of ten people.

A report of an investigation is available to the public at the conclusion of the investigation by the Office of Inspector General. You may obtain a copy of any report of investigation by contacting our office.