Section 45-12-212 - DutiesThe inspector general shall have the following duties:
(1) Receive and investigate complaints from any source alleging fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption that has been committed or is being committed against an agency of the state;(2) Investigate acts that may constitute violations of Articles 1 and 2 of Chapter 10 of Title 16 committed by officers, officials, or employees of agencies;(3) Investigate acts that may constitute violations of Chapter 10 of Title 45 committed by officers, officials, or employees of agencies;(4) Investigate retaliation claims regarding officers, officials, or employees of agencies submitted pursuant to subsection (e) of Code Section 45-1-4;(5) Report suspected acts of fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption against or within an agency to the Governor and, as appropriate, other state or federal entities with jurisdiction over the matter;(6) Upon conclusion of an investigation that results in a finding of fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption, issue a report or letter to the office of the Governor as requested and, subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of Code Section 45-12-214, release to the public any such report unless the public release of such report would compromise a pending criminal investigation known to the inspector general or otherwise be exempt from disclosure pursuant to Code Section 50-18-72;(7) Instruct and educate agencies on the detection and prevention of fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption; conduct evaluations and audits of relevant agency policies and procedures implicated by any investigation; and create a remedial action plan to prevent recurrences of fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption;(8) Close an investigation when he or she concludes there is insufficient evidence that a violation has occurred. Closure by the inspector general shall not bar him or her from reopening the investigation if circumstances warrant;(9) Act as a liaison with outside agencies and agencies of the government of the United States to promote accountability, integrity, and efficiency in state government;(10) Act as a liaison and monitor the activities of internal affairs units, inspectors general, and offices of professional standards within agencies; provided, however, that the inspector general shall not have supervisory authority over any such units, inspectors general, or offices;(11) Conduct special investigations and management reviews of agencies at the request of the Governor; and(12) Other duties assigned by the Governor that are consistent with this article and that involve or concern the management, operation, or personnel of agencies.Added by 2023 Ga. Laws 5,§ 1, eff. 3/29/2023.