About the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

The Office of the Inspector General is organized into three bureaus. Each bureau contains divisions that focus on specific agencies, issues, or functions. Together the bureaus work to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse of public resources in the Commonwealth.

Managed by the Deputy Inspector General, this bureau safeguards public assets through oversight of specific agencies (both statutory and OIG-created divisions), special government funding (like pandemic relief), public procurement, and state and local government.

Healthcare Division

Inspector General Shapiro created the Healthcare Division (HCD) to review, analyze, and report on a variety of healthcare policy, delivery, and access issues. The HCD is also responsible for conducting the OIG’s annual study of the Health Safety Net (HSN) and Medicaid programs, as required by law. as required annually by an outside section of the state budget. In doing so, the HCD makes recommendations for improvements to internal controls and programs to reduce and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in these vital programs.

Public Procurement & General Government Oversight Division

This division focuses on the multitude of areas, including procurement, across state and local government that fall within the OIG’s jurisdiction under Chapter 12A that are not otherwise within a specialty division.

Special Funding Oversight Division

This division coordinates the OIG’s oversight of federal and state funds distributed within the Commonwealth for special purposes or with special conditions, such as COVID-19 relief funds. The division works with state and federal partners to review programs and provide training and assistance to municipalities and state agencies using such funds. 

Health and Human Services (Bureau of Program Integrity)

The Health and Human Services/BPI Division is a statutory division that oversees the quality, efficiency, and integrity of programs of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). More than 1 in 4 residents depend on these programs. Working in collaboration with EOHHS agencies, the division conducts reviews and investigations to support and improve the agencies and their programs.

BPI also responds to EOHHS-related complaints reported on the OIG’s confidential hotline for reporting fraud, waste and abuse. 

The enabling statute is Section 16V of Chapter 6A, adopted in August 2013.

Division of State Police Oversight (Massachusetts State Police)

DSPO monitors the quality and integrity of Massachusetts State Police operations, organizational structure, and management functions. The division also monitors policy changes introduced by the Massachusetts State Police to maintain certification and accreditation from state and nationally recognized law enforcement accrediting agencies. 

DSPO’s enabling statute is Sections 72-73 of Chapter 22C adopted in July 2018.

Transportation (Internal Special Audit Unit)

The Transportation Division or ISAU was created by the Legislature in 2009 to monitor the quality, efficiency, and integrity of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) operating and capital programs, including Highway Division, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Rail & Transit, Aeronautics Division, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). As a statutory division, the ISAU is mandated to examine and assess MassDOT’s governance, risk-management practices, and internal processes to ensure they are adequate and effective. To help protect transportation funds, the division collaborates with MassDOT to identify ways to lower costs, recover funds, and stop wasteful spending. The division also evaluates potential fraudulent and wasteful spending by regional transit authorities, and cities and towns that use Chapter 90 funds for roadway improvements.

The ISAU operates two confidential hotlines – one for the public and one for MassDOT and MBTA employees. Complaints can be received over the phone, by email, and by mail.

The ISAU’s enabling statute is Section 9 of Chapter 6C adopted in July 2009.

Veterans’ Services Oversight Division

The Veterans’ Services Division oversees services provided to veterans by the Commonwealth and its municipalities. The Division monitors these programs to ensure that public resources earmarked for veterans are accessible to them and are providing the quality of service envisioned by the Legislature and the Administration.

The creation of the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services Secretariat by Governor Healey warranted the creation of a veteran-focused division at the OIG, given that the unit within OIG with oversight of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services no longer had direct jurisdiction and oversight. IG Shapiro believes that oversight of services provided to veterans is a critical responsibility of the OIG.

Managed by the General Counsel, this bureau consists of the Audit, Oversight & Investigations (AOI), the Government Outreach & Public Policy Divisions, and the Office of the General Counsel.

Audit, Oversight & Investigations (AOI) Division

The AOI Division investigates allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse of public resources across state and local government, excluding agencies   covered by another OIG division. The division often works with other agencies, municipalities, law enforcement, state and federal prosecutors. Investigations can result in criminal or civil prosecution, cost recoveries or civil settlements, or a public report, letter, or general advisory with recommendations on how to better protect public resources. 

An important source of information comes from the public through the OIG’s confidential, 24-hour hotline for reporting fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds and property. These complaints can develop into full investigations or are redirected to the appropriate agency if it falls outside our jurisdiction.

Government Outreach & Public Policy Division

The Government Outreach & Public Policy Division is responsible for government outreach, municipal engagement, and policy and legislative initiatives. This includes regular communication with state and local elected leaders, identifying common issues of concern, and advocating for oversight policies and legislative changes based on the OIG’s investigations. The division is also responsible for legislative mandates, including review of Construction Management At-Risk projects and public land dispositions.

Office of the General Counsel

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) serves as in-house counsel for the Inspector General and the OIG, providing legal support across all OIG divisions and core mission including investigations, employment, compliance, and litigation. The OGC provides legal research and analysis for the OIG’s education and legislative initiatives. The OGC also supports the Inspector General Council, which assists the Inspector General in carrying out his duties and responsibilities under Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws. 

Managed by the Chief Operating Officer, this Division is responsible for a variety of functions, including budgeting, revenue, auditing, financial reporting, office administration, procurement, operations, information technology, communications, publications, human resources, data analytics, and records management. It also includes the Learning & Development Division, which provides training and technical assistance to state and municipal employees.

The Learning & Development Division

The Learning & Development Division offers comprehensive training and support to all public employees to promote excellence in public procurement, sound governance, and the protection of public resources through the OIG Academy, the OIG Procurement Support helpdesk, and the OIG Bulletin.

Data Analytics

The Data Analytics Division uses exploratory data analysis, statistical analysis, machine learning, and visual analytics to assist other divisions in their work to promote good government. The division develops data management processes and standards, and coordinates the data analysis needs of the OIG, ensuring consistency, integrity, security, compliance, and availability of data.

Other divisions include:

• The Communications Division generates internal and external communications for the OIG, including press releases, social media content, the website, newsletters, speeches and testimony.  The Division also responds to media inquiries.
• The Fiscal Division manages all financial matters including budgeting, payroll, and procurement.
• The Human Resources Division manages all recruitment and hiring for the Inspector General’s Office, as well as employee benefits and professional development.
• The IT & Cybersecurity Division manages all internal technology training, data and files, and assists with troubleshooting. The division also ensures cybersecurity protocols are followed.
• The Operations Division ensures that the office infrastructure functions properly and assists with procurement and management of office resources.
• The Publications Division writes, edits, and prepares OIG reports, letters, and advisories for publication, including the OIG Bulletin.
• The Special Projects Division handles additional projects from start to finish to support the OIG’s mission-driven divisions.