7: The Evolution of the Federal Inspector General Community: Finding Its Voice and Strengths¹

The United States federal government includes a network of offices of inspectors general (OIGs) to conduct oversight the activities of its agencies. The system of OIG oversight was adopted in the late 1970s in the aftermath of the Watergate Scandal. The effort to rebuild trust began with the creation of twelve OIGs dedicated to identifying and preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct. The profession grew over time to today’s system of oversight with OIGs in nearly all federal agencies. The chapter describes the evolving institution of the federal OIG, examining expansions of the number of OIGs and their roles. It also explores the professionalization of the field and the development of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE). As the institution has matured, OIGs collectively have addressed issues of backlash, legislative changes, political pressure, and historical events, such as the recent COVID pandemic and the Great Recession. The history presented in this chapter demonstrates challenges OIGs have faced, coupled with the many successes they have achieved. Given recent developments, the future for federal OIGs and CIGIE, however, is uncertain and in peril.