NCJ Number
80377
Journal
Temple Law Quarterly Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: (1980) Pages: 1049-1066
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The legislative background and objectives of the Federal Inspector General Act of 1978 are reviewed, and the role of the Inspector General, including the use of the administrative subpoena, is discussed.
Abstract
The 1978 Inspector General Act was produced out of congressional hearings that disclosed the inadequacy of existing agency audit and investigative organizational structures, procedures, and resources. The act provides for an Office of Inspector General in each Federal agency. The responsibilities of the Inspectors General include (1) providing policy direction for the audit and investigative activities of the agency; (2) reviewing existing and proposed legislation and regulations relating to programs and operations of the agency and making recommendations about enforcement of such legislation; and (3) supervising activities that promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in program administration. Other responsibilities are coordinating relationships between the agency and other Federal, State, and local governmental agencies and nongovernmental entities; and keeping Congress and the agency head fully informed about fraud and other serious problems in the operation of agency programs. The President appoints the Inspector General, and removal is only by the President. An agency head may not prohibit, prevent, or limit the Inspector General in undertaking any audits or investigations deemed necessary. The most valuable aid in discovering and preventing fraud, abuse, and waste has been the subpoena power provided in the act. A total of 83 footnotes are listed.