Welcome to the Chicago Inspector General's website. We are an independent office dedicated to ensuring honesty and integrity in City government by rooting out corruption, fraud, other misconduct, and waste.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Three central documents define the powers and independence of the Inspector General's Office. Important provisions of each are summarized below.:

Chicago Municipal Ordinance 2-56 | Download PDF

Establishes and defines the jurisdiction and duties of the Inspector General's Office ("IGO").

Three core concepts are contained in the ordinance:

  • INDEPENDENCE: The IGO is an independent agency of City government.

    Section 2-56-020 — Appointment
    Provides that the Inspector General ("IG") shall be appointed to a term of four years. This term is not linked to the Mayor's term.

    Section 2-56-130 — Removal
    Provides that the IG may only be removed prior to the expiration of the four-year term "for cause" following a hearing convened by the City Council, and if a majority of the City Council vote to remove the IG.

  • BROAD JURISDICTION:

    Section 2-56-030 — Powers and Duties
    Provides authority to investigate allegations of wrongdoing as well as the ability to initiate investigations and hold public hearings as appropriate.

    Section 2-56-050 — Conduct of City officers, employees and other entities
    Provides jurisdiction over all City officials, employees, those doing business with the city and those seeking city certification. Excludes the City Council and staff, and City Council Committees and staff.

  • CONFIDENTIALITY

    Section 2-56-110 — Files and reports Confidential
    IGO investigatory files and reports are confidential and shall not be divulged except to law enforcement entities or as otherwise provided in the Ordinance. In addition, all information regarding pending investigations is strictly confidential. That means no one else in City government has access to our investigatory materials during the pendency of an investigation.

Executive Order 2005-2 | Download PDF

  • ACCOUNTABILITY

    Requires all departments to respond to IGO disciplinary recommendations within 30 days.

  • DUTY TO COOPERATE

    All City officials and employees must report misconduct of which they are aware to the IGO. Failure to report misconduct may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

Shakman Court Order regarding IGO Hiring | Download PDF

  • INDEPENDENCE

    Provides for a completely independent hiring process for the IGO, with some reporting requirements to the Court-appointed Shakman Decree Monitor.