The OIG is authorized by law to review all programs and operations of the Peace Corps. The OIG professional staff has a range of skills:

Auditors

Auditors review functional activities of the Peace Corps, such as contract compliance and financial and program operations, to ensure accountability and to recommend improved levels of economy and efficiency.

Auditors review functional activities of the Peace Corps, such as contract compliance and financial and program operations, to ensure accountability and to recommend improved levels of economy and efficiency. They perform audits and reviews in compliance with standards published by the Comptroller General of the United States, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
View most recent external peer review (PDF).

Evaluators

Evaluators analyze the management and program operations of the Peace Corps at both overseas posts and domestic offices. They identify best practices and recommend program improvements and ways to accomplish Peace Corps' mission and strategic goals.

Investigators

Investigators respond to allegations of criminal or administrative wrongdoing by Peace Corps Volunteers, Peace Corps personnel, including experts and consultants, and by those who do business with the Peace Corps, including contractors.

Peace Corps employees are responsible for carrying out public functions efficiently, economically, effectively, ethically, and equitably, while achieving desired program objectives. Current budgetary trends and longer-range fiscal challenges make OIG oversight especially important to help improve government operations and services today and position them for the future. OIG oversight plays a major role in improving government operations and services, and in the important dialogue on the future of government programs by providing the objective analysis and information needed to make the informed decisions necessary to accomplish the mission of the Peace Corps.

The OIG serves as the law enforcement arm of the Peace Corps and works closely with the Department of State, the Department of Justice, and other federal agencies.

The following are examples of offenses listed in the Peace Corps Manual that should be reported to the OIG when they involve Peace Corps staff, Volunteers, trainees, contractors, experts, or consultants; or when they involve funds, including Peace Corps' appropriations, host country contributions, or any other agency funding sources:

• Theft, embezzlement or fraud
• Unexplained deficiencies in federal funds
• Misuse or mismanagement of federal funds
• Illegal mutilation or destruction of a public record
• False statements, involving federal funds, accounts, or documents
• Illegal drug use
• Selling or importing/exporting narcotics, controlled drugs, or contraband
• Arson or vandalism
• Bribery, attempted bribery, or unlawful gratuities involving a government official
• Conflict of interest and other ethics violations
• Misuse of government vehicles, property, or transportation requests
• Significant violations of Peace Corps' regulations
• Sexual harassment/abuse by a co-worker or supervisor
• Protect Act violations

The Peace Corps Manual directs all Peace Corps personnel (domestic and overseas) to report misconduct or wrongdoing to the OIG and to make available all pertinent records, reports, memoranda, and other information. See "Duties and Responsibilities of Peace Corps Personnel with Respect to the Office of Inspector General" (Section 861, paragraph 9.1). This requirement reflects the Federal "Principles of Ethical Conduct for Government Officers and Employees," which states: "Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities." Executive Order 12674 of April 12, 1989, as modified by E.O. 12731 of October 17, 1990, 5 C.F.R. 2635.101(11) (1996).

Persons concerned about possible wrongdoing can contact the OIG in person, in writing, by e-mail, or by telephoning the OIG Hotline.

The OIG accepts anonymous complaints, but investigations are generally more effective if the complainant is available to provide information and documents upon request. The identity of an informant will be protected to the extent possible. Informants are protected from reprisal under the IG Act, as well as other statutes, and should notify the OIG of any real or perceived retaliation.