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Office of the Inspector General
The purpose of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to investigate and inspect matters concerning fraud, theft, waste, abuse, or serious mismanagement within or affecting the CHA. The OIG ensures that violations that cause specific danger to public health and safety are reported and investigated, as they relate to CHA residents and employees, contractors, subcontractors or any entity receiving funds from the CHA. Additionally, the OIG ensures that suspected violations are reported and investigated in an expeditious and procedurally correct manner and that corrective measures are taken where appropriate.OIG Hotline
The purpose of the OIG Hotline is to take reports of fraud, theft, waste, abuse, and gross mismanagement in CHA funded programs and operations and refer such allegations to OIG investigators and auditors, or to HUD program officials to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are independently addressed.WHAT IS --
FRAUD? Deceptive practices including, but not limited to embezzlement, false billing, or false representation.THEFT? Intentionally depriving the CHA of goods or services or the unauthorized removal of property, money, or funds from the CHA, its entities, locations or premises.
WASTE? Individuals, groups, employees, contractors, vendors, or businesses that are spending taxpayers' monies in a manner that does not further the CHA’s mission and goals.
ABUSE? CHA officials or CHA funded local officials whose actions exceed the authority granted to them by CHA policies and regulations.
SERIOUS MISMANAGEMENT? A significant failure by a CHA program office or program office entity that is due to managerial incompetence or inattention.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE OIG HOTLINE?
You can call OIG toll-free at 1-800-544-7139You can fax OIG at (312) 913-7901
You can download a complaint form and mail it to:
Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) OIG
60 E. Van Buren St. 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
WHY REPORT?
All employees are required to report law violations, Employee Hand Book breaches and public health and safety risks. All citizens have a moral responsibility to report violations to assure that taxpayers' monies are well spent.
WILL YOU DISCLOSE MY IDENTITY?
The identities of confidential complainants are not disclosed. However, it is advantageous for OIG to know the identity of the complainant if follow-up inquiries are needed to pursue an investigation.WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW WHEN CONTACTING THE OIG?
There are several things to keep in mind when reporting fraud, waste, abuse, and serious mismanagement. Immediate reporting is necessary, while facts are still fresh in the mind of the complainant. All reports must answer the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how.- Who was involved? (Names, addresses, phone numbers, if available)
- What happened? (Summary of events, additional sources of evidence)
- When did it happen? (Date, time, frequency)
- Where did it happen? (Location, city, state)
- Why was it done? (Any known motive of committing such act)
- How did it happen? (What scheme was used)
The most successful OIG cases are those that include supporting documentation. Reports that are too vague or cannot be supported can result in a closed report, without any action taken.
Be aware that the OIG has exclusive discretion in determining which Hotline cases will be investigated. A representative from OIG will contact you only if additional information is needed for your complaint. OIG cannot provide you with case status updates or other information while the case is in review. Furthermore, OIG’s decision to close a case is final with without a right to appeal.