What to Report to the DHS OIG Hotline
The Allegations that should be reported to the OIG Hotline include, but are not limited to: Employee corruption, civil rights and civil liberties abuses, program fraud and financial crimes, and miscellaneous criminal and non-criminal activity associated with waste, abuse, mismanagement or misconduct affecting the programs and operations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Who can file an allegation?
The OIG Hotline receives allegations from multiple sources, including DHS employees (to include contractors) and concerned citizens.
How do you file a “whistleblower” allegation?
If you believe you are a victim of whistleblower retaliation, please contact the OIG Hotline or the Office of Special Counsel for more information by accessing the Whistleblower Resources.
Why should I provide my name?
The OIG relies upon concerned employees and citizens to provide us with information regarding alleged employee corruption, waste, fraud, mismanagement or misconduct within DHS. Although not required to do so, we urge you to identify yourself when submitting an allegation using the automated DHS OIG Online Allegation form. If the information you provide is helpful, we may need to contact you in-person or via the internet, telephone or U.S. Mail for additional information.
Can I remain anonymous? What is confidentiality?
Individuals who contact the OIG may 1) remain anonymous, 2) identify him/herself but request confidentiality by noting they do not wish his/her identity to be revealed, or 3) fully disclose their identity.
It may be necessary for the OIG to reveal a confidential complainant's identity if such identification is necessary to investigate the alleged matter, or as otherwise required by law. Complainants who file anonymously, or those requesting confidentiality, should understand filing as such may hinder the OIG's ability to thoroughly pursue their complaint. Anonymity may be forfeited when submitting an online allegation to the DHS OIG Hotline, if a confirmation receipt with Complaint Number is desired
What information should I include in my allegations?
If filing under any condition other than “anonymously” please make sure you provide your name, address, telephone number, and all other pertinent contact information. If you wish to receive a Complaint Number Notification alert message via email you must provide a valid point of contact email address.
If the alleged offender is a DHS employee, please provide the employee's name, title, tour of duty, and the name and address of the DHS agency where the employee works. Additionally, the information you provide should be as detailed as possible.
- Who was involved in the alleged wrongdoing (person, DHS Agency or organization)?
- What did the individual or entity do?
- Where did the incident take place?
- When did it happen? Is it still ongoing?
- How was the activity committed?
- How did you become aware of the problem?
- Who else has knowledge of the potential wrongdoing?
Some of this information is (*) “required” when filing an allegation using the online DHS OIG Online Allegation form
How do I file an allegation?
The preferred method of filing an allegation is via the DHS OIG Online Allegation form. You may also use the U.S. Mail, or phone to file your allegation materials:
U.S. Mail:
DHS Office of Inspector General/MAIL STOP 0305
Attention: Hotline
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528-0305
Phone: 1-800-323-8603
What is done with the information that is received by the Hotline?
Information that is received by the OIG Hotline is reviewed to determine if DHS OIG investigation or referral to a more appropriate entity is warranted. If the allegation does not fall within the scope of DHS OIG's jurisdiction, that information may be forwarded to the appropriate agency or authority for their review.
What can I expect after filing an allegation with DHS OIG?
Unless you are contacted directly by one of our investigators, there will be no communication from our office.
Federal regulations prohibit the disclosure of information contained in investigative and law enforcement records, even to the individual submitting the allegation(s).
Our office will NOT provide anyone, to include the source of the complaint, with the status of action(s) taken on any allegation. This includes details pertaining to the processing of your complaint. The information you provide will be handled according to our internal policies and guidelines, and appropriate action will be taken, as determined.
Once a file is closed, results may be requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
As an expert with in-depth knowledge of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its oversight mechanisms, I can assure you that understanding the procedures and criteria for reporting to the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline is crucial in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the department's programs and operations.
The DHS OIG Hotline serves as a vital channel for reporting a wide range of allegations related to employee corruption, civil rights and civil liberties abuses, program fraud, financial crimes, and various criminal and non-criminal activities associated with waste, abuse, mismanagement, or misconduct affecting DHS.
The article emphasizes that allegations can be filed by multiple sources, including DHS employees (including contractors) and concerned citizens. It underscores the importance of reporting information related to alleged employee corruption, waste, fraud, mismanagement, or misconduct, as such information is crucial for the OIG to carry out thorough investigations.
When filing a whistleblower allegation, individuals are provided with options regarding confidentiality. They may choose to remain anonymous, request confidentiality, or fully disclose their identity. However, the article cautions that maintaining anonymity or confidentiality may impact the OIG's ability to thoroughly pursue a complaint.
Key concepts covered in the article include:
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Filing an Allegation:
- The preferred method is using the DHS OIG Online Allegation form.
- Alternative methods include U.S. Mail or phone.
- Contact information for filing via U.S. Mail or phone is provided.
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Information to Include in Allegations:
- Name, address, telephone number, and other pertinent contact information.
- Details about the alleged offender if a DHS employee.
- Detailed information about the alleged wrongdoing, including who, what, where, when, and how.
- Knowledge of others aware of the potential wrongdoing.
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Confidentiality and Anonymity:
- Options for remaining anonymous or requesting confidentiality.
- Possible forfeiture of anonymity when submitting online if a confirmation receipt with Complaint Number is desired.
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Handling of Information by the OIG:
- Information received is reviewed to determine if an investigation or referral is warranted.
- Information outside DHS OIG's jurisdiction may be forwarded to the appropriate entity.
- Limited communication from the OIG unless directly contacted by investigators.
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Post-Filing Expectations:
- No communication from the OIG unless directly contacted by investigators.
- Prohibition on disclosing details about actions taken on any allegation.
- Results may be requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) once a file is closed.
Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone considering reporting allegations to the DHS OIG Hotline, as it ensures a clear understanding of the process, expectations, and potential outcomes.
