The U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) does not handle complaints of misconduct, nor does OGE have investigative or prosecutorial authority. OGE's mission is one of prevention. However, there are several agencies and entities across federal, state, and local governments that are responsible for investigating and prosecuting misconduct. Below you will find links to agencies that handle complaints against specific categories of government employees.
The Executive Branch
Below you will find links to agencies that handle complaints against specific categories of executive branch employees.
- Federal employees
In most cases, the Inspector General (IG) of the department or agency involved investigates alleged misconduct.
For a list of agency IGs, please visit the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).
When necessary, the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice may investigate alleged misconduct of federal employees.
- Department of Justice attorneys accused of engaging in misconduct in connection with their duties to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice
The Office of Professional Responsibility has jurisdiction to investigate these allegations, as well as related allegations of misconduct by law enforcement personnel. (The Department of Justice Inspector General (IG) also has jurisdiction to investigate certain allegations of employee misconduct. The Department of Justice IG hotline is: 1-800-869-4499)
- Assistant U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Attorneys accused of other offenses
Legal Counsel's Office
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA)
Bicentennial Bldg., Room 2200
600 E. Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
- Federal prison wardens or other Bureau of Prisons employees
Office of Internal Affairs
Bureau of Prisons
320 First Street, NW, Room 600
Washington, DC 20534
The Judicial Branch
Complaints against U.S. District judges should be referred to the Clerk of the United States Court of Appeals in the Circuit in which that judge presides. For more information, contact the Administrative Office for U.S. Courts.
The Legislative Branch
For information on how to report misconduct of a Senator or Representative, contact the respective committee:
For information on how to report misconduct of a Representative, contact one of the following entities:
State or Local Governments
Many state and local governments have commissions or agencies that oversee the conduct of state or local employees. Many of these commission will take and review complaints against state or local employees. The following organizations may provide contact information:
Complaints against state judges should be made to a judicial conduct organization for the state in which the judge presides. For list of judicial conduct organizations by state, refer to Judicial Conduct Organizations.