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Return to Article: Report says inspectors general lack independence, resources

• 46193
  

  This article hit a nerve, but I'm confident nothing will come of it. I work at a field activiy (going on seven years) conducting investigations under the guidance of the upper echelon-- we are severely under staffed. Backfills have taken up to two years and we have no training and travel budget this year.

  Fern Evans Posted March 12, 2008 2:54 PM
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  Independence/roles depend on the reporting line. If the IG does not report directly to Congress, but to an agency head, then he/she cannot be independent as such. I'm at the City level, so don't know a lot about the feds, but seenms to me this is a matter for the GAO, whose head reports directly to Congress. Let GAO, which has authority, revamp the IG's office.

  tpb100 Posted March 4, 2008 12:26 PM
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  In my 30 years, I've seen a steady deterioration of the role of auditors from the IG's office. Significant was the re-alignment of USDA when auditor's stopped making random reviews of the then Farmers Home Administration and replaced that with the concept of internal controls. Now when I find fraud in appraisals, I'm to report to the State Director, a political apointee, and only he can request an audit/investigation. In other words no independence.

  Woody Thomas Posted March 3, 2008 10:13 AM
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  Ever try to report OWCP fraud to the DOL Office of Inspector General? See how fast they blow you off without investigating. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, get your grade increase.

  Robert M. Posted February 29, 2008 8:35 AM
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  And yet, we see this over and over again...opposition to IG independence. No one likes being slammed by IG's, but its rarely undeserved. This point is self-regulation is never effective and we are seldom our own best source of constructive criticism. Opponents of IG independence usually have plenty to hide. My work (along with everyone elses) needs independent oversight. As a taxpayer, I demand it.

  Don Posted February 29, 2008 8:18 AM
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  I can't say that this report is very surprising, but I wonder how long this has been going on? Has this been a rampant problem throughout several administrations, or just the current one? It's very important that the IGs have free rein to report the facts, good and bad, in order to protect the American people and us federal workers. An example of this would be suppression of an IG report about FDA not telling the public about a poisonous or carcinogenic substance contained in a prescription drug or food item.

  Kate Posted February 29, 2008 8:11 AM
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  I think this article only hits the tip of the iceberg. I have seen similar issues at other agencies and even instances where the IG position is not being filled after the previous IG leaves. I agree with the article that smaller agencies are the ones getting hit hardest.

  George Bills Posted February 29, 2008 7:40 AM