• An inspector general is responsible for ensuring that a government, military or independent agency uses funds appropriately and operates honestly. U.S. agencies that employ an Office of the Inspector General include Cabinet departments, the National Aeronautics and Space Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Each IG hires a staff of agents and investigators who work together to guarantee agency efficiency and integrity.
  
  

Save Taxpayer Money

• The Inspector General Act of 1978 outlines the responsibilities of the Office of the Inspector IGeneral, which ensure the accountability of federal workers and programs. Since 1978, OIGs have saved the American taxpayer money by preventing waste and promoting efficient spending. For example, the IG for the Department of Human and Health Services certifies the Medicaid Fraud Control Units that operate in each state. The IG evaluates the units to ensure they are performing legally and efficiently, saving taxpayer money by preventing Medicaid fraud. The OIG for the Department of Justice reviews how DOJ grants are distributed and used. Ensuring fair grant distribution prevents fraud, which saves Americans money.
  
  

Investigate and Audit

• The primary mission of an OIG is to internally regulate and enforce the rules of its agency. In order to accomplish this, an OIG conducts investigations and audits, looking for ways its agency can save money and run efficiently. For instance, according to its website, the OIG for the USDA instituted numerous audits to ensure the billions of dollars the USDA received in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are used appropriately. While OIGs typically operate as an internal regulating bodies, sometimes they interact with other segments of the population. For example, on its website, the OIG for the U.S. Department of Labor describes an external program that conducts criminal investigations to combat organized crime in labor unions.
  
  

Ensure Public Welfare

• Investigator generals help ensure the welfare of Americans. Their policies help keep the public safe. For example, the OIG of the DOJ makes recommendations to the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning how suspected terrorists are recommended for the FBI's watch list. They also evaluate how the FBI investigates cybersecurity cases. The OIG of the U.S. Postal Service recently analyzed the organization of the service's retail network, which includes post offices, stations and contract facilities. Improving the organization of its retail outlets will provide better service to its customers, improving public wellbeing.