This year marks the 35th anniversary of the U.S. Inspector General Act of 1978 — the landmark legislation that created the audit and investigative agencies that serve as the “watchdogs” in the U.S. federal government. Under the Act, inspectors general (IGs) are responsible for:
- Conducting and supervising audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the various federal agencies.
- Providing leadership and coordinating and recommending policies (1) to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, and (2) to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in their agencies.
- Providing a means for keeping the head of their agencies and the U.S.