Investigations

The unit is responsible for conducting administrative and criminal investigations designed to detect, deter, prevent, and eradicate fraud, waste, mismanagement, misconduct, and other abuses. Investigations typically involve the Department’s law enforcement and civilian members, but can also include contractors or vendors. Investigations are conducted in accordance with the General Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector General as published by the Association of Inspectors General. The Investigations Section is a member of the Florida Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation and complies with established accreditation standards.

Inquiries or complaints regarding Department activity can be received by the OIG from many sources, including the Whistle-blowers Hotline, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Chief Inspector General’s Office within the Governor’s Office. Complaints are also received from citizens, people who do business with the Department, and from members within the Department.

On October 31, 2007, the Governor’s Chief Inspector General, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA) initiated an accreditation program for the Inspectors General Investigative function of state agencies. The standards were approved by the CFA in February 2009 and went into effect July 1, 2009.

Accreditation is a prestigious accomplishment that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. Accreditation programs establish minimum standards for all, with the goal of enhancing the quality of investigations. The accreditation process is also a way for organizations to evaluate and improve their overall performance. OIG accreditation assessments determine whether the investigations function has processes in place and whether the processes are being utilized throughout OIG operations.

The OIG’s Investigative Unit became accredited in February 2011. On July 17, 2013, the CFA’s assessment team reviewed evidence of all aspects of the OIG Investigation Unit’s performance including policies and procedures, management, investigative plans, and case files to determine compliance with 42 recognized standards of excellence. They determined that the OIG is 100% compliant with the CFA standards and recommended reaccreditation. Full compliance provides an assurance that the OIG is operating in a consistent, predictable, and repeatable manner. To view the report and find information on upcoming reaccreditation, please visit our Documents and Publications page.