The OIG investigates allegations of misconduct and gross mismanagement by elected officials, employees and providers in Broward County local government. Misconduct is defined as “any violation of the state or federal constitution, any state or federal statute or code, any county or municipal ordinance or code; or conduct involving fraud, corruption, or abuse." Gross mismanagement is defined as “the material waste or significant mismanagement of public resources."
The OIG's authority extends over all officials and employees of the charter government of Broward County (“the County"), all officials and employees of the County's 31 municipalities (“Municipalities"), and all entities and persons who provide goods or services to the County or any of the Municipalities.
The OIG's powers and authority are found at Article X, Section 10.01 of the Broward County Charter. The charter says that the OIG “shall commence an investigation if good cause exists that any Official, Employee, or Provider has engaged in misconduct or gross mismanagement." The Inspector General has the authority to decide whether good cause exists “on his or her own initiative or based on a signed, verified complaint." As part of any OIG investigation, “the Inspector General shall have the power to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and require (through subpoena or otherwise) the production of documents and records." The courts enforce OIG subpoenas.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, via the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, has formally acknowledged that the OIG performs criminal justice functions which meet the criteria of a “criminal justice agency." As a designated criminal justice agency, the OIG accesses and acquires information through various interstate and intrastate information systems. The OIG has further enhanced its investigative function though participation in the Broward County Public Corruption Task Force. This task force is comprised of federal, state, and local investigators and prosecutors who identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal public corruption cases.
Experienced professionals with law enforcement, regulatory, audit, procurement, contract management, and prosecution backgrounds comprise the OIG. Its team holds certifications or licenses as fraud examiners, inspector general investigators, inspector general auditors, public accountants, public procurement officers, Florida Bar attorneys, and criminal justice information operators. OIG Special Agents and Senior Auditors are responsible for reviewing and corroborating information from hundreds of tips and complaints. They must also:
- conduct thorough, well documented reviews, inquiries, and investigations;
- perform extensive background checks;
- engage in outreach; and
- monitor assigned Municipalities in order to become familiar with their processes and issues.
Although OIG investigations vary in size and complexity, most require interviews of witnesses and implicated parties, reviews of numerous documents, analysis of financial records, and the preparation of detailed reports summarizing investigative findings. If an investigation establishes misconduct or gross mismanagement, the OIG may issue a report detailing its findings and making recommendations to eliminate the problems. If an investigation establishes probable cause to believe misconduct has occurred, the Inspector General may also refer the matter to the appropriate enforcement agency. OIG reports provide greater transparency for the residents of Broward County. Its investigations shine a light on instances of misconduct and gross mismanagement and have resulted in changes to local government policy makers, personnel, polices, procedures, and internal controls that promote efficiency and accountability in the use of public funds. As part of its reporting process, it makes recommendations and, at times, requires status reports from the County and Municipalities. To search published final reports and closing memoranda, click here.For the OIG to continue to be fully effective and to fulfill its mission, it needs residents, employees, and vendors to report suspected misconduct and gross mismanagement. Have information?To provide information to the OIG about misconduct or gross mismanagement by an official, employee, or provider to Broward County or a Municipality, click here. To learn about your role in an OIG investigation as a complainant, witness, or someone who is providing records or other information, please click here to see Witness FAQs.
