Inspector General Menu
Office of Inspector General - Frequently Asked Questions
What is misconduct?
Misconduct is the intentional or improper use of Government resources. Examples include misuse of position, authority or the misuse of resources such as tools, vehicles, or office equipment.
What is confidentiality?
Persons who contact the Hotline may request confidentiality and can be assured that their identities are generally not revealed. However, your identity may be revealed if it is the only way to effectively investigate the alleged matter or as otherwise required by law. Please note that individuals who contact the Hotline via electronic mail cannot be assured of confidentiality due to the non-secure nature of electronic mail systems.
What is fraud?
Any intentional deception designed to deprive the City unlawfully of something of value or to secure from the City for an individual a benefit, privilege, allowance, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled. Such practices include, but are not limited to, the offer, payment, or acceptance of bribes or gratuities; making false statements; submitting false claims; falsifying records and books of accounts; arranging for secret profits, kickbacks, or commissions; and conspiring to use any of these devices. The term also includes conflict of interest cases, criminal irregularities, and the unauthorized disclosure of official information relating to procurement and disposal matters.
What is waste?
Waste is consider to be the extravagant, careless, or needless expenditure of Government funds, or the consumption of Government property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls, or decisions.
What type of complaints do you take and what do you do with the information once it is received?
The Mission of the Office of Inspector General is to promote accountability, efficiency, and integrity in City government. Investigating complaints of fraud, waste, and abuse is one way we carry out our mission. The Office of Inspector General will consider all complaints of fraud, waste and abuse involving:
- Any City employee;
- Any municipal officer, including all heads of City departments, agencies, bureaus, and all persons exercising comparable authority;
- Any member of a City board or commission;
- Any individual, organization, or business receiving City-granted funds or other benefits, including, but not limited to, loans, grants, tax credits, below market rate property transfers, tax increment financing, payment in lieu of taxes, or other City subsidies of any kind;
- Any individual, organization, or business providing goods or services to the City pursuant to a City contract; or
- Any individual, organization, or business seeking certification of eligibility to provide goods or services to the City pursuant to a contract.
We will investigate all allegations involving:
- Bribery or kickbacks
- False claims
- Misuse of position or resources
- Theft
- Threats of violence or assault
- Violations of laws, regulations, or rules
- Whistleblower Reprisal
- Workers Compensation Fraud
Complaints and allegations received by the Office of Inspector General are analyzed to identify systemic issues affecting the City of Baltimore. We use this information when planning investigations and reviews. If the complaint or allegation does not fall under our jurisdiction, the information will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for their review and necessary action.
Who can lodge a complaint?
We accept complaints and allegations of fraud from everyone, including employees, contractors, customers, and the general public.
Why should I provide my name?
The Inspector General relies on concerned employees and citizens to provide us with information regarding alleged waste, fraud, and misconduct in the City Government. We realize that you may wish to remain anonymous in submitting an allegation to us. However, your information is most useful to us if we can contact you by telephone or mail for additional information or, in some cases, if we can interview you personally. Therefore, we encourage you to identify yourself when you contact us.
What can I expect when I call the hotline?
You will be connected with an analyst who will take your allegation by asking you a series of questions similar to the ones contained in our complaint form.
At times, due to call volume or scheduling an analyst will be unavailable to speak with you. You may leave a message and one of our staff will call you back as soon as possible.
How do I file a complaint?
The preferred method of communicating a complaint is via the Internet (insert report fraud link). Complaints can also be received at any time via fax, e-mail, and voicemail. The OIG toll-free Hotline number is 1 (800) 417-0430.
What information should I include in my complaint?
Keep in mind the more specific details you provide the better able we will be to respond to your complaint. Remember to tell us who you believe committed a violation, what they did, where the violation occurred, when the violation occurred, how it happened and if you know why the person committed the violation
Please make sure that you provide your name, address and telephone number and complete the online Hotline form. If the subject is a City of Baltimore employee please provide their name, title, tour of duty, name and address of the agency where they work.
What happened? (The nature of the complaint)
Who was involved?
Where did the incident occur?
When did it happen?
Is it still ongoing?
How or how much?
How did you become aware of the problem/ Do you have first
hand knowledge of the event?
Have efforts been made to correct the problem? (Has anyone
else been contacted about this problem; was anything done
about your concern)?
What rule or regulation has been violated?
What do you expect the Office of Inspector General to
do?
May we contact you for additional information? If so,
how can we contact you?
Click here for more information on what to report.
What is done with the information that is received by the OIG?
The information we receive is reviewed to identify systemic or criminal issues. The information we receive is reviewed and evaluated to determine if an investigation or audit is warranted.
Does the OIG deal with individual issues?
The OIG generally does not handle individual issues, except for whistleblower reprisal complaints and related executive investigations. Other individual issues should be pursued through administrative processes available within the City, such as the EEO process, grievance procedures, etc.
How long is the process, once a Hotline complaint is filed?
It is difficult to determine a completion date or time. Each case is different so some may take longer than others.
When should you call?
Immediately! Disclosure should be made as soon as information is available.