NCJ Number
83233
Date Published
1980
Length
51 pages
Annotation
The structure, operations, and effectiveness of Inspector General functions in the U.S. Justice Department are discussed.
Abstract
The background, purposes, and functions of the Office of Inspector General, as created by the Inspector General Act of 1978 and related legislation, are outlined, and the existing and planned mechanisms within the Justice Department for conducting internal audits and investigations are described. The Department's approach to the purposes and functions of the statutory Office of Inspector General is discussed, followed by an evaluation of the Department's approach and possible changes. The major components in the Department with responsibility for conducting or overseeing internal audits and investigations are the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Internal Audit Staff of the Justice Management Division. In addition, there are internal inspection units in six of the Department's operating organizations. The evaluation concludes that (1) the Department has been and is achieving the objectives of the 1978 Act in its own way; (2) the Department's approach is effective and does not show the shortcomings that existed in other agencies prior to the 1978 legislation; and (3) the Department's arrangement is suited to the special characteristics of the Nation's law enforcement agency. Further, the report finds that OPR's independence would not be enlarged either by giving the office a statutory charter or by providing for the Presidential appointment of OPR counsel. It is suggested that OPR counsel be required to report regularly and publicly any instance in which the Attorney General declines authority or resources that OPR counsel requests as necessary to discharge his/her responsibility. Sixty footnotes are listed. (Author summary modified)