Inspectors General: Independence Principles and Considerations for Reform

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1156758 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The position of inspector general was established in federal agencies to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse; conduct investigations; and more. The IG Act of 1978 recognized independence as key to IG effectiveness. IGs follow the auditing standards that GAO sets, which seek to address threats to auditors' - including IGs' - independence. Various legislative proposals to strengthen IG independence have been introduced in the current Congress, and several committees have requested information from GAO on this and related topics. This letter includes information on key independence principles and provides reform options Congress could consider.

Author(s):
Dodaro, Gene L.
Author Organization(s):
United States Government Accountability Office
Funding Organization(s):
United States Government Accountability Office , Washington , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2020 Jun 08
Pagination:
13

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
congress, governments, law, national governments, national security, employment, management personnel, united states government, accountability, business administration, department of defense, department of state, public administration, auditing, best practices, personnel management, standards
Keyword(s):
Auditors, Fraud Waste and Abuse, Government transparency, Inspectors general, Whistleblowers, Agency management
Subject Categories:
Behavioral and Social Sciences; Behavioral and Social Sciences
Creation Date:
2022 Jan 20
Update Date:
2022 Feb 09