Welcome to the City of Baltimore Office of Inspector General (OIG)

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The Office of Inspector General (OIG) was created as an oversight authority that could effectively investigate at all levels of City government, while remaining autonomous, independent and insulated from political influences.

The scope of authority and powers of inquiry vested in the OIG are, by necessity, quite broad. These include conducting objective and independent audits, reviews and investigations relating to Baltimore City Government and, in some cases, those who do business with the City, in order to:

  • promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness,
  • detect and deter fraud, waste and abuse, and
  • promote ethical, fiscal and legal accountability.

The citizens of Baltimore have a right to expect that City government will operate with maximum efficiency, accountability, and integrity.  The OIG is uniquely positioned to serve as a major contributor in the effort to build and maintain an increased level of public trust in City government and to assist the City in achieving better results with limited resources. The OIG is committed to working toward an open, honest, and accountable government. 

Accordingly, this website is designed to educate you about the OIG - to let you know who we are, what we do, and how you can contact us. Together, we can work to make the Baltimore City government truly an entity that does the most good for all of its residents and employees.

Lastly, I am mindful that our efforts could not be successful without the support and assistance of the overwhelming majority of City employees who do their jobs honestly and effectively everyday and the ever vigilant public who bring forward their concerns and observations in carrying out the mission of the OIG.

-Stephen J. Lesniewski, Jr., Acting Inspector General

Mission

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the City of Baltimore was authorized by Executive Order which was signed by the Mayor on July 27, 2005.

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 of the following:
    • 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.

The Executive Order states that all municipal officers and City employees shall promptly provide to the Inspector General any information, document, report, record, account, or other material requested by the Inspector General in connection with any formal investigation.

The Inspector General may, with the approval of the City Solicitor, issue a subpoena, to require any person to appear under oath as a witness; or require the production of any information, document, report, record, account, or other material. The Inspector General may enforce any subpoena issued in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Contact Us

Office of Inspector General

640 City Hall
100 North Holliday St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Hotline: (800) 417-0430
Office: (443) 984-3690
Fax: (410) 837-1033
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