Inspector General -- Protecting the Trust

Background: Office of Inspectors General

Office of Inspectors General exist at the federal, state and local level, and have a rich history in our Nation's military. Office of Inspectors General became prevalent at the federal level following the Inspector General Act of 1978.

While the Office of Inspectors General in the military have historically focused on mission readiness, by conducting inspections of military organizations, the Office of Inspectors General in the civilian sector, have focused on ensuring the public's interest has been safeguarded. This is done by deterring, detecting, and investigating matters involving fraud, waste and abuse, which can include theft, embezzlement and bribery.

The Office of Inspectors General, which are typically independent to ensure objective and unbiased investigations, are also generally responsible for identifying opportunities for a government to become more efficient and effective, while promoting ethical, fiscal and legal accountability.

City of Albuquerque Office of Inspector General

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Inspector General is to serve as an independent and objective inspection and investigative body to promote effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and integrity, to prevent and detect fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and waste in in the City of Albuquerque’s programs and operations.

Vision Statement

Advancing integrity and accountability in the governance of the City of Albuquerque through independent oversight.

The OIG strives to promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency throughout the City of Albuquerque in order to safeguard and preserve the public trust.

We need your help! Please report fraud, waste and abuse - it is never too late to do the right thing!

What to Know

Learn more about fraud.

What is a Fraud?

Any knowing deception designed to unlawfully deprive a governmental agency of something of value or to secure a benefit, privilege, allowance, or consideration to which an individual is not entitled. Such practice include, but are not limited to offer, payment, or acceptance of bribes or gratuities; making false statements; submitting false claims; falsifying records; arranging for secret profits, kickbacks, or commissions; and conspiring to use any of these devices. The term also includes conflict of interest cases and criminal activity.

What is Waste?

The extravagant, careless, or needless expenditure of Government funds, or the consumption of government property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls, or decisions.

What is Abuse?

The intentional or improper use of Governmental resources, such as: misuse of position and authority, or the misuse of tools, vehicles, or office equipment.

Funding Integrity: Comparing Inspector General Funding Approaches

This Columbia Law School's Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity publication takes a look at the different funding mechanisms for Offices of Inspector General at several state and municipal level Office of Inspectors General and how the method of funding can affect the independence and impairment of the Office of Inspector General.

The Statement of Principles for Offices of Inspector General, published by the Association of Inspectors General, states in paragraph F. Independence,  Funding - The OIG should be funded through a mechanism that will provide adequate funding to perform its mission without subjecting it to internal or external impairments on its independence.

The City of Albuquerque Office of Inspector General's funding is included in the Mayor's annual budget proposal to the City Council who can accept the proposed funding or change it.

Download: Comparing Inspector General Funding Approaches