This possibility turned into a reality in Louisiana. Part of the challenge here is that when an IG is selected by politicians, there is a potential for conflicts of interest. The IG is typically appointed by either a mayor or a governor. Generally speaking, the role of an inspector general is to prevent and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse in government. Other states have a number of IG offices, notably Florida, which maintains over 30 for different agencies, ranging from transportation to health. In some states there is just one IG office - and that one may be dedicated to Medicaid. That’s just the beginning of the hurdles faced by oversight organizations.Īmong the 200 state and local inspector general offices in the U.S., capacities and roles vary. But - and this is a big but - while two-thirds of states have statutes protecting whistleblowers, there’s still a widespread fear of retribution. For starters, these oversight groups are aided by whistleblowers who alert them to violations of the law.

Govt watchdog