A Message from the Independent Inspector General

The Office of the Inspector General was first established in September 1998, via the Cook County Inspector General’s Ordinance. The honorable John H. Stroger, Jr., former President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and other members of the County Board at that time, had a distinct vision—an efficient County government that keeps corruption or other violations of County policy at a minimum. The original purpose of the office was to receive and investigate complaints of fraud, waste, mismanagement, abuse, and misconduct by employees under the purview of the President’s Office. To be clear, this excluded Elected Officials, County Board Members, and their employees, unless the Inspector General was given a specific invitation to conduct an investigation by the Elected Official or County Board Member.

In August 2007, Todd Stroger, the newly elected President of the Board of Commissioners, drafted and promulgated the Cook County Independent Inspector General’s Ordinance. Under the new Ordinance for this office, the Independent Inspector General is able to initiate investigations into misconduct allegedly committed by any County employee, including those of Elected Officials and County Board Members.

The ultimate success of this office greatly depends on the citizenry of Cook County, whether or not they are employees of the County, to keep us promptly informed about perceived misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance. It is my firm belief that the majority of employees in the County execute their duties aptly and conduct themselves with integrity and decency at all times. Unfortunately, there are a small number of County employees and contractors (County vendors) who seek to operate outside the confines of County policies and regulations, as well as the law. However, with your help, I am confident this office can be instrumental in rooting out corruption, theft, waste, and general misconduct.

Toward this end, this website aims to inform you about the new Independent Inspector General’s Office. Specifically, you should find answers regarding what we do, how we operate, to whom we report, and when and how you should file complaints.

It is with great pleasure that I avow my commitment; my duties and those of my subordinates will be carried out with all due integrity, care, objectivity, and diligence. With your assistance and vigilance, we will continue to ensure the public’s trust in Cook County government is not unwarranted.

Sincerely,
Joseph Price
Inspector General