Management

ATF Should Shore Up Its Policies on Hiring Family and Friends, Says Watchdog

Recruiting family and friends as special agents isn’t an issue in and of itself, but more can be done for the agency’s policies and training, the Justice Department inspector general said.

Workforce

Women at the FBI Training Academy Faced Sexist Jokes and Other Inappropriate Behavior, IG Finds 

The Justice Department inspector general made seven recommendations for addressing disparities, which the FBI agreed with. 

Oversight

No Inmate Transfer ‘Should be Handled Like Bulger’s,” Federal Watchdog Says

The Justice Department’s inspector general issued a series of recommended reforms in response to the killing of mobster James “Whitey” Bulger just hours after a move to a new prison.

Oversight

Inspector General Reforms Could Be on the Horizon 

The negotiated version of the National Defense Authorization Act contains language to protect IGs from political interference and help them do their jobs better. 

Oversight

GovExec Daily: Vacancies, Inspectors General and Oversight at the Pentagon

Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss the newly-confirmed Defense Department inspector general.

Oversight

The Defense Department Finally Has a Permanent Watchdog

“I shall continue to be true to the principle of nonpartisanship that is a hallmark of the IG system,” Robert Storch said during his confirmation hearing.

Oversight

DHS Accuses Its Watchdog of Being ‘Inaccurate, Contextually Incomplete and Confusing’

This was in response to the inspector general’s annual report on management and performance challenges at the department. 

Management

It’s OK for the Acting Pentagon Watchdog to Remain in Place, A New Legal Opinion Says

The Office of Legal Counsel opinion differs from what the Government Accountability Office found over the summer.

Oversight

Republicans Want a Briefing to Find Out How Well (Or Not) Agencies Are Cooperating With the Afghanistan Watchdog

“Some of these allegations [about failure to provide information] are simply false,” said a State Department spokesperson.

Management

After Six Years, It’s Time to Confirm a Defense Department Inspector General

IGs perform a critical role in holding powerful officials and government agencies accountable, and the Senate should confirm a Defense IG when it returns from recess.  

Oversight

A Watchdog Says the Global Media Agency Lacks Clear and Consistent Policies to Ensure Editorial Independence

The finding comes as part of a “targeted inspection” of the agency’s editorial independence and journalistic standards. 

Oversight

Federal Watchdogs Recognized for Their Outstanding Accomplishments

The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency hosted its 25th annual awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Oversight

The Pandemic Watchdog is Looking for More Time, Money and Authority

The office is floating a draft bill that would keep it open an additional five years, provide more consistent funding and expand the special IG’s jurisdiction.

Oversight

The Pentagon’s Watchdog Is Taking a Closer Look at Defense’s Records Management and Device Use After Missing Jan. 6 Texts

The acting inspector general shared information about the review in response to a letter from a top senator expressing concerns about handling of messages related to the Capitol insurrection. 

Management

Border Patrol Agents Cut Corners on Migrant Processing as Numbers Spiked

DHS remains ill-prepared for properly handling unusually high numbers of migrants, IG says.

Management

Biden Administration at Odds With the IG Over the Scrutiny Afghans Received Before Entering the U.S.

DHS cannot be sure it properly screened the evacuees, the IG said, raising the possibility it admitted "criminals, suspected terrorists or other nefarious actors."

Management

A Look at the DHS Watchdog’s Work with a Nonprofit on Strategic Planning and Other Issues

Improved Federal Employees Viewpoint Survey scores may be the result of a collaboration with the National Academy of Public Administration.