Organizational Structure

The OEIG has several means of effectuating its mission. The primary role is to investigate allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct and to make reports of its findings to affected public agencies and officials. The OEIG is also responsible for reviewing hiring and employment files of state agencies, developing and overseeing ethics and harassment/discrimination prevention training, and making revolving door determinations. 

Because of its expansive jurisdiction throughout the entire state, the OEIG has an office located in Chicago and one in Springfield. The OEIG is comprised of several units including an intake division, referred to as Complaints & Compliance (C&C), a Hiring & Employment Monitoring (HEM) division, a Regional Transit Boards (RTB) investigations division, and a Training & Legislative unit, as well as critical support units consisting of Finance, IT, and HR.

Complaints & Compliance Division

The Complaints & Compliance Division’s main responsibility is to process and evaluate all new complaints submitted to the OEIG. The OEIG receives over 3,500 complaints a year and has 30 days after receiving a compliant to determine how to proceed with the complaint which generally includes either: opening an investigation; referring the complaint to an appropriate authority; or administratively closing the file. The C&C Division ensures all of these complaints, decisions, and responsive letters are appropriately processed and documented. C&C also processes revolving door determinations for the OEIG.  

HEM Division

The State Officials and Employees Ethics Act directs the OEIG to "review hiring and employment files of each State agency within [its] jurisdiction to ensure compliance with Rutan v. Republican Party of Illinois... and with all applicable employment laws." 5 ILCS 430/20-20(9). 

In 2015, the OEIG created the Hiring & Employment Division (HEM) dedicated to fulfilling this statutory mandate. Following the appointment of a special master after an OEIG issued Founded Report No. 11-01567, addressing the political patronage hires at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), HEM began working directly with the special master and the state to reform state hiring. HEM’s extensive work in this area helped ensure the determination of the state’s compliance with the Shakman consent decree in 2022.  

HEM is currently made up of approximately ten employees including analysts, attorneys, and managers who conduct comprehensive monitoring of hiring and employment issues. HEM ensures compliance with the State’s Comprehensive Employment Plan (CEP), which sets forth general principles applicable to all hiring and implements hiring processes for both exempt and non-exempt positions. HEM’s work includes monitoring hiring sequences (which includes in-person or virtual real-time monitoring of interviews), conducting desk audits, reviewing complaint referrals, and monitoring political contacts in the hiring and employment decision realm. 

In addition, HEM reviews all requests to add or delete positions from the State’s Exempt List which is a comprehensive list of Exempt Positions Under the Governor for which hiring and employment decisions may be made on the basis of political or other non-merit factors. HEM reports on its work by issuing Quarterly/Annual Reports as well as Advisories which summarize HEM’s review and make recommendations.

RTB Division

In July 2011, the OEIG became the executive inspector general for the regional transit agencies including CTA, Metra, Pace and the NITA, formerly RTA, collectively known as the Regional Transit Boards (RTBs). The OEIG’s jurisdiction encompasses the employees, board members, officers, agents, and contractors of the transit agencies.

In December 2011, the OEIG established a unit specifically dedicated to investigating allegations of misconduct relating to the transit agencies and its vendors. The OEIG’s RTB Division is funded through the Public Transportation Fund and has an authorized headcount of 13 that includes experienced investigators and attorneys.

The mission of the RTB Division is to promote the highest standards of ethical conduct for all employees of, and those doing business with, the transit agencies. The RTB Division is committed to conducting objective, thorough, and timely investigations, and increasing accountability and transparency, so that the citizens of Illinois have a heightened level of trust in the operation and integrity of the transit agencies.

Training and Legislative Unit

Per the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the OEIG oversees the ethics training and harassment/discrimination prevention training for the entities under its jurisdiction. Each year, the OEIG oversees annual training on these two topics. New employees, appointees, and officials are required to take these trainings within 30 days of commencing their employment and then once a year, thereafter.

This unit also works on the OEIG’s legislative engagement. The OEIG is committed to better state government, and regularly works with legislators and stakeholders on matters related to ethics legislation. Throughout the year, the OEIG works with other executive inspectors general, the EEC, the Attorney General’s Office, the Governor’s Office, legislators, and other stakeholders to discuss potential amendments to the Ethics Act as well as to the Illinois Administrative Code.

Operational Support Units

The Finance Unit manages the OEIG’s appropriations and expenditures. The OEIG aims to use the state’s financial resources effectively and efficiently and conforms to the state uniform accounting system by ensuring it obligates and expends public funds in accordance with applicable laws and rules. This unit also oversees the management of OEIG property.

The OEIG’s Information Technology (IT) Unit supports the OEIG’s technology users and procures and operates software and hardware to assist the OEIG in its mission. This unit also assists investigators with forensic analysis and other technical issues. To better ensure its independence, the OEIG currently maintains an IT staff of three professionals to support the OEIG apart from any services provided by the Department of Innovation and Technology.

The Human Resources (HR) Unit directs all human resources functions, including recruitment and hiring, compensation, and benefits. The HR Manager also acts as the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer. As an independent agency, the OEIG is not bound by hiring and compensation rules overseen by state agencies such as the Department of Central Management Services.