Office of Executive Inspector General – Chicago, IL

Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG)

State Ethics & Misconduct Investigations

The Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG) for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor is an independent state agency dedicated to ensuring accountability and integrity in government. Located in the Chicago Loop at 69 West Washington Street, this office investigates allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and misconduct. Its jurisdiction is specific and extensive, covering employees under the Governor, public universities, and the regional transit boards, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace.

Filing Complaints & Whistleblower Protection

The primary function of this office is to receive and investigate complaints. It is not a general law enforcement agency for street crime but rather a specialized body for internal government oversight. Key aspects of their work include:

• Investigation of Misconduct: Reviewing claims of ethics violations, prohibited political activity, and “revolving door” employment violations.
• Confidentiality: The identity of individuals reporting misconduct is generally kept confidential to the extent allowed by law.
• Hiring Monitoring: The Hiring and Employment Monitoring (HEM) Division reviews state hiring processes to ensure they are free from political manipulation.

Residents or state employees wishing to file a complaint can do so via the toll-free hotline, mail, or fax. While the office is open for administrative business, most interaction for the public occurs through these remote reporting channels rather than walk-in appointments.

Security & Location

The office is situated in the Cook County Administration Building (69 W Washington), a major government hub. Visitors must pass through strict security screening, including metal detectors, in the building lobby. A valid photo ID is required for entry. The building is easily accessible via the Pedway system and is directly connected to the Washington/Dearborn Blue Line station.