FAQs about Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General - Investigations
1. What is the purpose of an investigation?
2. What matters are investigated and how do they originate?
3. How are matters selected for investigation?
4. Who conducts investigations?
5. How are investigations conducted?
6. Who may be interviewed during an investigation?
7. Where do investigative interviews take place?
8. How are investigative interviews conducted?
9. How are investigative interviews memorialized?
10. Can I refuse a request for interview?
12. What happens when an investigation is complete?
13. What is the Parish’s obligation to employees during an Investigation?
1. What is the purpose of an investigation?
Generally, an investigation by the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General investigation is carried out to resolve specific allegations or information concerning possible violations of law, regulation or policy.
2. What matters are investigated and how do they originate?
The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General investigates a variety of matters including allegations of fraud, waste, abuse or illegal activity committed by parish government officials, parish employees, entities doing business with the parish, and employees of entities doing business with the parish.
The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General initiates an investigation based upon information received from individuals via telephone, mail, or through our website. The office may also initiate an investigation following a referral from another entity or based upon self-generated information.
3. How are matters selected for investigation?
The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General selects matters for investigation based upon recommendation of staff after preliminary review. Typically, the recommendation is based upon a number of factors such as (1) whether the office has authority to investigate; (2) whether there is actionable information which indicates the presence of fraud, waste, abuse or illegal activity; (3) whether another oversight entity has opened a case involving the same information or has primary authority; (4) the potential scope of the allegations including fiscal and operational impact; and (5) the JPOIGS available resources and capability.
4. Who conducts investigations?
The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General is staffed by individuals who are educated and trained in the detection, investigation and prevention of fraud waste and abuse and who hold related certifications.
5. How are investigations conducted?
Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General investigations are carried out in accordance with national standards published by the Association of Inspectors General. This means investigations meet the standards of (1) quality control; (2) planning; (3) data collection and analysis; (4) timeliness; (5) confidentiality; (6) independence of judgment; (7) impartiality as well as others. Investigations and examinations, to include data gathering and interviews, are completed pursuant to the authority granted under local and state law.
6. Who may be interviewed during an investigation?
The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General conducts interviews with any person believed to possess knowledge relevant to an investigation in a manner that is secure and efficient for the office based upon individual circumstances. (MPP 8-4)
7. Where do investigative interviews take place?
Generally, the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General conducts interviews at its office that is located at 990 N. Corporate Dr. - Suite 300 Jefferson, Louisiana 70123, not far from the Joseph S. Yenni Building. The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General may choose to conduct an interview in the field. (MPP 8-4)
8. How are investigative interviews conducted?
The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General conducts investigative interviews in a confidential manner. Participants are restricted to JPOIG staff and the person being interviewed. If the person is represented by a private attorney, the attorney may be present during the interview. No other individual or representative is permitted. No attorneys from the Jefferson Parish Attorney’s Office, nor any attorneys retained by the parish, are permitted. (MPP 8-4)
9. How are investigative interviews memorialized?
Investigative interviews by the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General are generally audio and/or video recorded by staff. The time, date, location and name of persons participating in the interview is also documented. Recording is to the benefit of all because it ensures that a definitive record exists of both what was asked and the information provided in response. Recordings of interviews are maintained as confidential, investigative records under state law. No outside recording devices are permitted in the interview. (MPP 8-4)
10. Can I refuse a request for interview?
Generally, no. Every Jefferson Parish official, employee, agency, special district, board, commission, contractor, subcontractor and licensee has a duty to cooperate with the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General in any investigation. The Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General will publically report upon any instances in which there is a failure to cooperate. When there is a failure to cooperate, the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General may seek a subpoena to compel a person to appear for an interview.
11. If I am contacted and interviewed, can I discuss it with others outside of the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General?
If you are an employee of Jefferson Parish, you are under no obligation to inform your supervisor that you were contacted for an interview or that you were interviewed. If interviewed during normal working hours, the office may provide you with a written “Notice of Interview” with the time, date and location of the interview.
Jefferson Parish government and its agencies, boards, and commissions have a responsibility to avoid any action that could create a chilling effect on employee’s cooperation with the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General investigation.
Regardless of your relationship to Jefferson Parish, the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General routinely requests individuals interviewed to refrain from discussing the interview with anyone in order to protect the individual from reprisal, maintain the confidentiality of the interview process, and preserve the integrity of the investigations.
No Parish employee is subject to action or threatened action as reprisal for cooperating with the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General, and no employee can be compelled to discuss any element of the interview.
12. What happens when an investigation is complete?
Generally, the Jefferson Parish Office of Inspector General will issue a report when an investigation is complete. The report contains factual findings, observations and recommendations, where appropriate. It is issued in draft form to the appropriate individuals, such as the Parish President, to permit review, development of corrective actions, and response. In due time, these reports are posted to the website at www.jpoig.net under the “Reports” tab and become public at that time.
13. What is the Parish’s obligation to employees during an Investigation?
Parish officials, directors and supervisors have a responsibility to avoid any action that could create a chilling effect on an employee’s cooperation with an investigation to ensure the integrity of the investigation and for other reasons (such as fairness and privacy considerations).
