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About OIG

Mission of the Office of Inspector General

The mission of the independent and nonpartisan City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity by identifying corruption, waste, and mismanagement in City government. OIG is a watchdog for the taxpayers of the City and has jurisdiction to conduct inquiries into most aspects of City government.  

OIG achieves its mission through:

  • Administrative and criminal investigations;
  • Audits of City programs and operations; and
  • Reviews of City programs, operations, and policies.

From these inquiries, OIG issues reports of findings and recommendations that ensure City officials, employees, and vendors are held accountable for the provision of efficient, cost-effective, government operations. OIG further seeks to prevent, detect, identify, expose, and eliminate waste, inefficiency, misconduct, fraud, corruption, and abuse of public authority and resources. 

OIG’s work serves as a resource for City Council, policymakers, civic and advocacy organizations, journalists, and more.

You know your City. Help make Chicago government better.

If you see corruption, fraud, waste, or misconduct of any kind, or have ideas on how to make City government better, we need to hear from you. Click here to fill out our online intake form.

How we serve you

OIG works to make City government better and to hold City actors accountable when they break the rules. 

Jurisdiction (by ordinance)

OIG’s oversight authority is governed by the Municipal Code of Chicago and includes:

  • City officials (elected and appointed)
  • City employees
  • City contractors, vendors, and licensees
  • Lobbyists
  • Chicago Police Department (CPD)
  • Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)
  • Chicago Police Board 

We do not have jurisdiction over Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, or any offices beyond the City of Chicago.

Learn more about our office.

Guiding principles

OIG operates with independence, objectivity, confidentiality, transparency, and inclusion.