Resources for Reporting Misconduct

Where to Report Misconduct

OGE's mission is one of prevention. The U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) does not handle complaints of misconduct, nor does OGE have investigative or prosecutorial authority. However, there are several agencies and entities across federal, state, and local governments that are responsible for investigating and prosecuting misconduct.

Below you will find links to agencies that handle complaints against specific categories of government employees.

I want to...	Who should I contact?
Report Misconduct in the Executive Branch	In most cases, the Inspector General (IG) of the department or agency involved investigates alleged misconduct. For a list of agency IGs, please visit the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE). Department of Justice attorneys accused of engaging in misconduct in connection with their duties to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice: The Office of Professional Responsibility Assistant U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Attorneys accused of other offenses: General Counsel’s Office Executive Office for United States Attorneys 175 N. Street, N.E., Room 5.100 Washington, DC 20530 202-252-1600 Federal prison wardens or other Bureau of Prisons employees: Office of Internal Affairs Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street, NW, Room 600 Washington, DC 20534
Report Misconduct in the Legislative Branch	Senate Select Committee on Ethics 202-224-2981 Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) 202-225-9739 House Committee on Ethics 202-225-7103
Report Misconduct in the Judicial Branch	Complaints against U.S. District judges should be referred to the Clerk of the United States Court of Appeals in the Circuit in which that judge presides. For more information, contact the Administrative Office for U.S. Courts.
Report issues regarding Political Activity and the Hatch Act	For information on how to report as a Whistleblower: The Office of Special Counsel (800) 85-HATCH (800) 854-2824 1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218 Washington, D.C, 20036-4505
Report as a Whistleblower	For information on how to report as a Whistleblower: The Office of Special Counsel (800) 572-2249 (202) 254-3640 1730 M Street, N.W., Suite 218 Washington, D.C, 20036-4505
Report Misconduct in State or Local Governments	Many state and local governments have commissions or agencies that oversee the conduct of state or local employees. Many of these commissions will take and review complaints against state or local employees. The following organizations may provide contact information: The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) listing of State Ethics Oversight Agencies The Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL) Complaints against state judges should be made to a judicial conduct organization for the state in which the judge presides. For list of judicial conduct organizations by state, refer to Judicial Conduct Organizations.