53 - Functions and duties.

§ 53. Functions and duties. The state inspector general shall have the  following duties and responsibilities:    1.  receive and investigate complaints from any source, or upon his or  her  own  initiative,  concerning  allegations  of  corruption,   fraud,  criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in any covered agency;    2.  inform  the  heads of covered agencies of such allegations and the  progress of investigations related thereto, unless special circumstances  require confidentiality;    3. determine with respect to  such  allegations  whether  disciplinary  action,  civil  or  criminal prosecution, or further investigation by an  appropriate federal, state or local agency is warranted, and  to  assist  in such investigations;    4.  prepare  and  release  to  the  public  written  reports  of  such  investigations, as appropriate and  to  the  extent  permitted  by  law,  subject  to  redaction  to protect the confidentiality of witnesses. The  release of all or portions of such reports may be  deferred  to  protect  the confidentiality of ongoing investigations;    5.  review  and  examine  periodically  the policies and procedures of  covered  agencies  with  regard  to  the  prevention  and  detection  of  corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse;    6.  recommend  remedial  action  to  prevent  or eliminate corruption,  fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of  interest  or  abuse  in  covered  agencies;    7.  establish  programs  for  training  state  officers  and employees  regarding the prevention and elimination of corruption, fraud,  criminal  activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in covered agencies.