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Office of Inspector General (United States) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: U.S. Offices of Inspector General: History and Function

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U.S. Offices of Inspector General: History and Function Study Guide

Origins and Foundational Legislation

The first Office of Inspector General established outside of the U.S. military departments was created in 1976 for the Department of Defense.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first Office of Inspector General established outside of the U.S. military departments was created in 1976 for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), not the Department of Defense.

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The initial primary objective for establishing the HHS-OIG in 1976 was to combat fraud and abuse specifically within the Social Security Administration's programs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial objective for establishing the HHS-OIG in 1976 was to combat fraud and abuse across Medicare, Medicaid, and numerous other departmental programs, not solely within the Social Security Administration's programs.

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The Inspector General Act of 1978 was the legislation that stipulated that political affiliation was a primary criterion for selecting Inspectors General.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Inspector General Act of 1978 requires that Inspectors General be selected based on their qualifications, explicitly stating that political affiliation should not be a primary criterion.

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The Inspector General Act of 1978 was primarily focused on establishing internal audit procedures within federal agencies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Inspector General Act of 1978 primarily established the framework for independent oversight within federal agencies to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, rather than focusing solely on internal audit procedures.

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In which year and for which department was the first Office of Inspector General established outside of the U.S. military departments?

Answer: 1976, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Explanation: The first Office of Inspector General established outside of the U.S. military departments was created in 1976 for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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What was the initial primary objective for establishing the HHS-OIG in 1976?

Answer: To eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare, Medicaid, and other departmental programs

Explanation: The initial objective for establishing the HHS-OIG in 1976 was to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicare, Medicaid, and over 100 other departmental programs.

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Which legislative act established the initial 12 departmental inspectors general?

Answer: The Inspector General Act of 1978

Explanation: The Inspector General Act of 1978 established the initial 12 departmental inspectors general.

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What is the significance of the Inspector General Act of 1978?

Answer: It established the initial 12 departmental inspectors general to combat fraud, waste, and abuse.

Explanation: The Inspector General Act of 1978 was a landmark piece of legislation that created 12 departmental inspectors general, establishing a framework for independent oversight within federal agencies to combat fraud, waste, and abuse.

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Core Functions and Responsibilities

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a generic term for oversight divisions within U.S. federal or state agencies designed to prevent inefficient or unlawful operations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Office of Inspector General (OIG) serves as an oversight division within federal and state agencies, tasked with identifying and preventing inefficient or unlawful operations.

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The primary responsibilities of an OIG include auditing and investigating fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement within their parent agency.

Answer: True

Explanation: An OIG's core mandate involves auditing and investigating instances of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement to ensure the integrity and efficiency of agency operations.

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As of July 2014, there were approximately 100 statutory Inspectors General (IGs) serving across the U.S. government.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of July 2014, there were approximately 72 statutory Inspectors General (IGs) serving across the U.S. government, not 100.

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Federal Offices of Inspectors General primarily employ administrative staff and legal counsel, with limited roles for investigators or auditors.

Answer: False

Explanation: Federal OIGs employ a wide range of professionals, including special agents (criminal investigators), auditors, evaluators, inspectors, and administrative staff, not primarily administrative staff and legal counsel with limited investigator roles.

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OIG activities are limited to auditing financial records and do not involve investigating potential criminal activity like embezzlement.

Answer: False

Explanation: OIG activities extend beyond auditing financial records to include investigating potential criminal activity such as embezzlement, fraud, waste, and abuse.

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Within the U.S. military, the Inspector General's main role is to investigate criminal allegations and prosecute offenders.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within the U.S. military, the Inspector General's primary role is to ensure combat readiness and act as an ombudsman; they investigate non-criminal allegations and refer criminal matters to appropriate agencies, rather than prosecuting offenders themselves.

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The Air Force Inspector General Complaints Program was designed solely for active-duty personnel to report issues.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Air Force Inspector General Complaints Program was designed to address concerns of Air Force personnel (active duty, reserve, Guard), civilian employees, family members, and retirees, not solely active-duty personnel.

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In 2015, the HHS-OIG focused its enforcement efforts on violations related to the False Claims Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2015, the HHS-OIG focused its enforcement efforts on violations of the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute, particularly concerning physician compensation arrangements, not primarily HIPAA or the False Claims Act.

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The stated goal of the Air Force Inspector General Complaints Program is to ensure the financial accountability of civilian employees.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Air Force Inspector General Complaints Program aims to address concerns of personnel and families and investigate complaints, fraud, waste, and abuse, not solely to ensure the financial accountability of civilian employees.

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The OIG for the Government Publishing Office (GPO) primarily handles public inquiries regarding government documents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The OIG for the GPO provides oversight and auditing functions to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the Government Publishing Office's operations, rather than handling public inquiries.

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OIGs, such as the HHS-OIG, play a role in educating the public about fraudulent schemes to help them identify and report suspicious activities.

Answer: True

Explanation: OIGs, such as the HHS-OIG, distribute resources to educate the public about fraudulent schemes, empowering individuals to protect themselves and report suspicious activities.

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The stated purpose of OIG investigations into grant recipients and contractors is solely to ensure compliance with contractual terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: OIG investigations into grant recipients and contractors aim to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement related to government programs and operations, ensuring accountability for those receiving federal funds or contracts, which goes beyond mere compliance with contractual terms.

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What is the generic term for an oversight division within a United States federal or state agency designed to prevent inefficient or unlawful operations?

Answer: Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Explanation: The generic term for such an oversight division within federal and state agencies is the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

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What are the primary responsibilities of an Office of Inspector General (OIG)?

Answer: Auditing and investigating fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement

Explanation: An OIG's primary responsibilities include auditing and investigating fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement within their parent agency.

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What is the primary function of an Inspector General within the U.S. military, according to the source?

Answer: To ensure the combat readiness of subordinate units and act as an ombudsman

Explanation: Within the U.S. military, the Inspector General's primary function is to ensure combat readiness and act as an ombudsman for their branch of service.

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What was the purpose of the Air Force Inspector General Complaints Program?

Answer: To address concerns of personnel and families, investigating complaints and fraud, waste, and abuse

Explanation: The purpose of the Air Force Inspector General Complaints Program is to address concerns of personnel and families, investigating complaints and fraud, waste, and abuse.

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In 2015, the HHS-OIG focused enforcement efforts on violations of which specific healthcare laws?

Answer: The Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute

Explanation: In 2015, the HHS-OIG focused enforcement efforts on violations of the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute, particularly concerning physician compensation arrangements.

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What is the stated purpose of the OIG's investigations into grant recipients and contractors?

Answer: To detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement related to government programs

Explanation: OIG investigations into grant recipients and contractors aim to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement related to government programs and operations, ensuring accountability for those receiving federal funds or contracts.

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Evolution, Reform, and Authority

The Inspector General Act of 1978 was the legislation that established the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).

Answer: False

Explanation: The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) was established by the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008, not the Inspector General Act of 1978.

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The Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 aimed to increase the pay and powers of inspectors general and established the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 enhanced the powers and pay of Inspectors General and formally established the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).

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The Homeland Security Act of 2002 granted most presidentially appointed IG special agents the authority to carry firearms and make arrests.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Homeland Security Act of 2002, which amended the IG Act of 1978, granted most presidentially appointed IG special agents the authority to carry firearms, make arrests, and execute search warrants.

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The Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 is noted for which key changes?

Answer: Increasing pay and powers for IGs and creating CIGIE

Explanation: The Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 increased pay and powers for Inspectors General and established the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).

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What authority was granted to most presidentially appointed IG special agents by the Homeland Security Act of 2002?

Answer: The authority to carry firearms and make arrests

Explanation: The Homeland Security Act of 2002 granted most presidentially appointed IG special agents the authority to carry firearms and make arrests.

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Which law, enacted after September 11, 2001, granted most presidentially appointed IG special agents law enforcement authority?

Answer: The Homeland Security Act of 2002

Explanation: The Homeland Security Act of 2002, enacted after September 11, 2001, granted most presidentially appointed IG special agents law enforcement authority.

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Appointment, Removal, and Independence

All Inspectors General in the federal government are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Answer: False

Explanation: Not all Inspectors General are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate; some are designated by their respective agency heads.

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Presidentially appointed Inspectors General can be removed by their agency heads without notifying Congress, unlike designated IGs.

Answer: False

Explanation: Presidentially appointed Inspectors General can only be removed by the President, not their agency heads. Designated IGs can be removed by their agency heads, but in both cases, Congress must be notified of the removal.

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Glenn Fine argues that Inspectors General could achieve greater taxpayer savings if they were granted more resources and enhanced independence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Glenn Fine argues that Inspectors General require more resources and greater independence, along with more robust oversight of the IGs themselves, to maximize their effectiveness and taxpayer savings.

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Juliet T. Hodgkins is identified as the current acting Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services as of January 24, 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: Juliet T. Hodgkins is indeed identified as the current acting Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services as of January 24, 2025.

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Joseph V. Cuffari assumed the role of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security in July 2019.

Answer: True

Explanation: Joseph V. Cuffari assumed the role of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security on July 25, 2019.

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William M. Blier is the confirmed Inspector General for the Department of Justice, having started his term in June 2025.

Answer: False

Explanation: William M. Blier is the current acting Inspector General for the Department of Justice, with his term starting in June 2025, but he is not yet confirmed.

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Cheryl L. Mason serves as the Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs, beginning her term in August 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cheryl L. Mason serves as the Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs, with her term beginning in August 2025.

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Robin Ashton was the last confirmed Inspector General for the Central Intelligence Agency before the current acting officeholder, serving until December 2024.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robin Ashton was the last confirmed Inspector General for the Central Intelligence Agency, serving until December 31, 2024, prior to the current acting officeholder.

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The Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service is Tammy Whitcomb Hull.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tammy Whitcomb Hull holds the position of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service.

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Glenn Fine suggests that Inspectors General require less independence and fewer resources to be more effective.

Answer: False

Explanation: Glenn Fine suggests that Inspectors General require more independence and greater resources, along with more oversight, to be more effective, not less.

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Brett Baker is the current Inspector General for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), having started his term in April 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brett Baker is the current Inspector General for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), with an acting term start date of April 19, 2021.

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David T. Harper began his term as the Inspector General for the U.S. Capitol Police in February 2024.

Answer: True

Explanation: David T. Harper began his term as the Inspector General for the U.S. Capitol Police on February 5, 2024.

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Presidentially-appointed IGs can be removed by their agency heads, while designated IGs can only be removed by the President.

Answer: False

Explanation: Presidentially-appointed IGs can only be removed by the President, while designated IGs can be removed by their agency heads. Both require notification to Congress.

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Sarah Nelson is the current acting Inspector General for the Department of Energy as of January 24, 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sarah Nelson is the current acting Inspector General for the Department of Energy as of January 24, 2025.

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What does Glenn Fine suggest is needed for Inspectors General to be more effective and save more taxpayer money?

Answer: More resources, greater independence, and more oversight of the IGs

Explanation: Glenn Fine suggests that Inspectors General require more resources, greater independence, and more oversight of the IGs themselves to enhance their effectiveness and taxpayer savings.

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According to the source, who is the current acting Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services as of January 24, 2025?

Answer: Juliet T. Hodgkins

Explanation: Juliet T. Hodgkins is the current acting Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services as of January 24, 2025.

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What is the primary difference in removal authority between presidentially appointed IGs and designated IGs?

Answer: Presidentially appointed IGs can only be removed by the President, while designated IGs can be terminated by their agency head.

Explanation: Presidentially-appointed IGs can only be removed by the President, whereas designated inspectors general can be terminated by their agency head. Both require notification to Congress.

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Presidential Interactions and Notable Cases

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan dismissed all inspectors general, and none were subsequently rehired due to congressional objections.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1981, President Reagan terminated 16 inspectors general but later rehired five after facing congressional objections; he did not dismiss all of them, nor were none subsequently rehired.

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President George H.W. Bush successfully dismissed all inspectors general upon taking office in 1989 without facing significant opposition.

Answer: False

Explanation: President George H.W. Bush attempted to dismiss inspectors general upon taking office in 1989 but relented after facing objections from both the inspectors general and Congress.

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President Obama dismissed Gerald Walpin, the inspector general for the Corporation for National and Community Service, due to concerns about his professional competence and conduct during a board meeting.

Answer: True

Explanation: President Obama dismissed Gerald Walpin, citing a lack of confidence and later detailing "troubling and inappropriate conduct" and disorientation during a board meeting, which led the board to request his dismissal.

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In 2020, President Donald Trump replaced five inspectors general within a two-month period, including two permanent and three acting officials.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2020, President Trump replaced five inspectors general within a six-week period, not a two-month period, encompassing two permanent and three acting officials.

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President Trump criticized intelligence inspector general Michael Atkinson for submitting a report he deemed accurate and well-researched regarding the Trump-Ukraine scandal.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Trump criticized Michael Atkinson, the intelligence inspector general he dismissed, for submitting what Trump called a "fake report" concerning the Trump-Ukraine scandal, not for submitting an accurate one.

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President Trump characterized Christi Grimm's report on hospital supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic as accurate and based on comprehensive data.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Trump characterized Christi Grimm's report on hospital supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic as "wrong," "fake," and "her opinion," rather than accurate and comprehensive.

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In January 2025, President Donald Trump fired seventeen inspectors general across multiple departments, including Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, and Interior.

Answer: True

Explanation: In January 2025, during his second presidency, Donald Trump dismissed seventeen inspectors general from various departments, including Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, and Interior.

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President Trump's January 2025 dismissals were fully compliant with the Securing Inspectors General Act of 2022, which requires immediate dismissal without prior notice.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Securing Inspectors General Act of 2022, along with the Inspector General Act of 1978, requires advance notice and a written explanation for dismissals, contrary to the claim of immediate dismissal without notice.

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Eight of the inspectors general fired by President Trump in January 2025 filed lawsuits seeking reinstatement, claiming their dismissals were lawful.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eight of the inspectors general dismissed in January 2025 did file lawsuits seeking reinstatement, but they argued their dismissals were unlawful, not lawful.

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In the Thomas Andrews Drake case, individuals who reported issues to the Pentagon's OIG were protected from any negative repercussions, including FBI investigations.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Thomas Andrews Drake case, individuals who reported issues to the Pentagon's OIG were subsequently subjected to FBI raids and threats of criminal prosecution, indicating a lack of protection.

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Which President attempted to dismiss all inspectors general upon entering office in 1989 but later relented after facing objections?

Answer: George H.W. Bush

Explanation: President George H.W. Bush attempted to dismiss all inspectors general upon entering office in 1989 but relented after facing objections.

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President Obama cited which reasons for dismissing Gerald Walpin, the inspector general for the Corporation for National and Community Service?

Answer: A lack of confidence and troubling conduct

Explanation: President Obama dismissed Gerald Walpin citing a lack of confidence and later detailed "troubling and inappropriate conduct" and disorientation during a board meeting.

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What significant action did President Donald Trump take regarding inspectors general in 2020?

Answer: Dismissed or replaced five inspectors general within a six-week period

Explanation: In 2020, President Trump dismissed or replaced five inspectors general within a six-week period, including two permanent and three acting officials.

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President Trump criticized intelligence inspector general Michael Atkinson primarily for:

Answer: Bringing a 'fake report' to Congress regarding the Trump-Ukraine scandal

Explanation: President Trump criticized Michael Atkinson for submitting what Trump characterized as a "fake report" to Congress concerning the Trump-Ukraine scandal.

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Regarding Christi Grimm's report on hospital supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump characterized it as:

Answer: Wrong, fake, and her opinion

Explanation: President Trump described Christi Grimm's report on hospital supply shortages as "wrong," "fake," and "her opinion."

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What issue arose in the Thomas Andrews Drake case concerning the Pentagon's OIG?

Answer: Individuals reporting issues to the OIG faced FBI raids and prosecution threats

Explanation: In the Thomas Andrews Drake case, individuals who reported issues to the Pentagon's OIG later faced FBI raids and threats of criminal prosecution.

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Inter-Agency Coordination and Resources

Federal OIGs coordinate and share information exclusively through their individual agency websites, without a central coordinating body.

Answer: False

Explanation: Federal OIGs coordinate and share information through the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), their shared website, and common training resources, not exclusively through individual agency websites.

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The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) primarily focuses on conducting independent audits of federal agencies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) primarily serves as a coordinating body for federal OIGs, focusing on training and information sharing, rather than conducting independent audits of federal agencies.

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The official website for the Offices of Inspector General is govinfo.gov.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official website for the Offices of Inspector General is oversight.gov, not govinfo.gov.

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The Inspector General Vacancy Tracker is a tool used by agencies to track the performance metrics of current Inspectors General.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Inspector General Vacancy Tracker is a resource provided by CIGIE that monitors nominations for unfilled Inspector General positions awaiting Senate confirmation, not performance metrics of current IGs.

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The 'See also' section of the article lists the Corruption Perceptions Index and federal law enforcement as related topics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section indeed lists related topics, including the Corruption Perceptions Index and federal law enforcement, among others.

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The 'Further reading' section provides links to current OIG reports submitted to Congress.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Further reading' section provides references to books offering deeper insights into the roles and functions of Inspectors General, rather than links to current OIG reports submitted to Congress.

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The Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy (IGCIA) is a facility dedicated to training federal judges on oversight procedures.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy (IGCIA) is dedicated to training federal OIG personnel, including criminal investigators, not federal judges.

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What is the function of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE)?

Answer: To serve as a coordinating body for federal OIGs, providing training and facilitating information sharing

Explanation: CIGIE serves as a coordinating body for federal OIGs, providing specialized training and facilitating information sharing among its member offices.

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How do federal Offices of Inspectors General coordinate and share information?

Answer: Through CIGIE, their shared website, and shared training resources

Explanation: Federal OIGs coordinate and share information through the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), their shared website, and common training resources.

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What is the official website for the Offices of Inspector General?

Answer: oversight.gov

Explanation: The official website for the Offices of Inspector General is oversight.gov.

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