Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the function of the OIIG?
A: The function of the OIIG is to investigate all Cook County employees, who have allegedly committed infractions of County policy (i.e. under the Human Resources Rules and Regulations) or crimes on County property. This office also can administer a finding against County employees who have been convicted of a felony or Class A misdemeanor, whether or not the crime was committed on County property, as this is a violation of County policy. The OIIG is a fact-finding agency and is not involved in recommending or executing disciplinary actions or legal outcomes.

Q: When should I contact the OIIG?
A: You should contact the OIIG whenever you reasonably suspect a crime (executed on County property) or infraction has been committed by a County employee. Reasonableness is determined by several factors including but not limited to direct observations, admissions from the perpetrator(s), records, etc. You should also contact this office if you have knowledge that an employee has been convicted (not arrested) of a crime. Personnel disputes unrelated to actual infractions of County policy or violations of law should be reported to a Supervisor or other Administration, and not this office.

Q: How do I file a complaint?
A: At this time, a complaint may be filed with this office in a detailed writing on one of our offices complaint forms. In the alternative, a complainant may simply write a statement, but must be sure to name specific infractions, and include names, dates, times of events, and witnesses.

Q: Could I lose my job for filing a complaint?
A: No. The OIIG Ordinance Section 2-291(a)(1) expressly prohibits any form of retaliation for assisting the OIIG with an investigation. Additional protections exist if complaints are made for violations of the Ethics or Human Rights Ordinances.

Q: Do I have to state my name on a complaint?
A: No. The OIIG accepts anonymous complaints. However, anonymous complaints that lack significant detail can be very difficult to investigate and may result in a declination to pursue to the allegation(s).

Q: How long does it take to complete an investigation?
A: Under the new OIIG Ordinance, this office must attempt to complete its investigations within 180 days. However, this directive allows for extensions upon request by the IIG. Therefore, there is no “average” or even estimable time in which investigations are concluded. Various factors determine the length of an investigation, including but not limited to: the nature of the allegations; the number of interviews to be conducted; the amount of documents to be gathered and reviewed; the extent of cooperation from relevant Departments and witnesses; and the priority level of the case.

Q: What kind of communication can I expect from the OIIG after I file my complaint?
A: You can expect no communication from this office after filing a complaint, unless you have filed a Shakman complaint or other political discrimination complaint. Pursuant to the OIIG Ordinance, all investigative files and reports produced by this office are confidential.

Q: What is the specific jurisdiction of the OIIG?
A: The OIIG has jurisdiction over all County employees under the new Ordinance. However, there are times when, in the IIG’s assessment, another office may be better equipped to investigate a matter. In such instances, the IIG will refer the case to that agency.

Q: Is the OIIG affiliated with any law enforcement agency?
A: The OIIG has no specific affiliation with any law enforcement agency. Generally, this office does work in concert with law enforcement entities, including but not limited to: the Chicago Police Department; the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office; and the Illinois and U.S. Attorney General Offices.

Q: What powers are available to the OIIG?
A: The IIG may issue subpoenas to compel the appearance of a person or the production of documents. Also, this office employs sworn Officers as Investigators, who can obtain warrants and make arrests, if necessary.

Q: If I am the subject of an investigation conducted by the OIIG, what are my rights?
A: If you are the subject of an investigation (not a witness) by this office, you have a right to have union representation present during an interview. As a courtesy, if you are not a member of a union, you are granted the privilege of having an Attorney present with you during your interview. You also have a right against self-incrimination, if the accusation(s) against you are criminal in nature.

Q: How much evidence is necessary to determine if I am guilty of the allegation(s) against me?
A: The OIIG uses a “preponderance of evidence” standard. That is to say, if there is even slightly more evidence than not tending to prove you committed the acts alleged, this office will sustain a finding against you.

Q: To whom does the Independent Inspector General report?
A: The Inspector General reports directly to the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Q: After the Inspector General reports to the Board of Commissioners, what happens?
A: Summary Reports which include this office’s findings are turned over to the County Administrator so disciplinary action may be implemented, where appropriate.

Q: As a County employee, can I refuse to assist in an investigation?
A: No. Under Section 2-285 of the OIIG Ordinance, all County employees have a duty to cooperate in OIIG investigations. Criminal penalties may apply for refusals.