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OGE and the Inspectors General: Helping to protect the public trust for 40 years

July 12, 2018


Forty years ago the United States Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and the Inspector General’s offices were created to help strengthen the public’s trust in the effectiveness and integrity of their government.  Congress recognized that the maintenance of that trust was an essential element to the success of our democracy.

OGE works to ensure that trust by preventing ethical misconduct by employees in the executive branch. But these efforts alone are not enough, there also has be a way to investigate allegations of breaches of the public’s trust and hold people accountable when such failures occur.   

Congress provided a strong tool for that accountability by passing the Inspectors General Act in1978. Since that time, OGE and agency Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs) have worked together to ensure that the American public can have confidence in the integrity of its government.

In recognition of the important relationship that OGE and the OIGs have, I was privileged earlier this week to participate in a panel marking the 40th anniversary of the creation of the OIGs.  For 40 years OIG professionals have played an important role in the executive branch ethics program. They investigate violations of ethics rules, refer criminal misconduct for prosecution, and make recommendations about corrective action in the case of administrative violations. 

OGE appreciates the vital work of the OIGs.  We look forward to the OIGs' continued contributions to the ethics program and continuing our support for OIG ethics investigations.

Together, OGE and the OIGs will continue to work together to protect the public trust.  OIG investigations are essential to these efforts.  You can see the results of OIG investigations here.