Learn About the OIG

The OIG conducts independent and objective audits, reviews, evaluations and investigations of municipal and state government programs and operations. We investigate crimes involving public funds, identify waste and abuse in government spending, and restore money for the Commonwealth through civil recoveries, restitutions and settlements. In addition, we help public officials to develop policies, procedures and legislation that strengthens government and protects public resources. We also strive to prevent the misuse of public resources through our broad training initiatives.

Our Legislative Mandate

To prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse in the use of public funds and public property, whether federal, state or local.

Additional Resources

View our enabling statute Chapter 12A

Who We Serve

We serve the people of Massachusetts, state and local governments, and those who work with the government.

What We Do

View transcript 

 

The Inspector General has organized the office to most effectively and efficiently accomplish its mandate and mission. Through the development of eight specialized divisions, our teams are able to:

• Detect fraud, waste and abuse at all levels of government
• Review programs and practices to identify system-wide vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement
• Work collaboratively with state and local agencies to prevent fraud, waste and abuse in government spending
• Provide guidance to public officials on the purchase and disposition of supplies, services, equipment and real property
• Educate public and private employees through its Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) training program

Our Jurisdiction

Our office has broad jurisdiction over agencies, bureaus, divisions, sections, departments, offices, commissions, institutions and activities of the Commonwealth, including those districts, authorities, instrumentalities or political subdivisions created by the General Court and including the cities and towns, and entities and individuals that receive public funds or use public property, including corporations, partnerships and not-for-profits.

 

Our Statutory Authority

When conducting an investigation or review, our office has the authority to summons records, interview witnesses and take testimony under oath. Our enabling statute requires that state and local officials cooperate with us during an investigation or review, including making documents, electronic records and information available to our staff. 

At the completion of an investigation, review or other project, we may issue a letter or report detailing findings and outlining recommendations to prevent future fraud, waste and abuse. In some instances, we will offer training, policy guidance or technical assistance. In other cases, we may require the agency, city or town to submit a corrective action plan detailing the measures it will take to address the problems identified during our investigation.

Further, we report suspected criminal activity to the appropriate authorities, including the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In addition, the Inspector General meets regularly with the Inspector General Council to discuss the OIG’s activities.

In addition to our general authority, several of our divisions have their own statutory authority. These embedded divisions monitor the quality, efficiency and integrity of the state agencies the Massachusetts legislature has charged them with overseeing:

• The Bureau of Program Integrity evaluates the programs of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
• The Division of State Police Oversight monitors the Massachusetts State Police operations, organizational structure and management functions.
• The Internal Special Audit Unit oversees the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s operating and capital programs.

Visit our divisions page for full descriptions of our eight units that enable us to carry out our mandate and mission.