DHS support components do not have sufficient processes and procedures to address misconduct. Support Components provide resources, analysis, equipment, research, policy development, and other specific assistance to operational components. These deficiencies exist because no single office or entity is responsible for managing and overseeing misconduct issues across support components. According to Government Accountability Office (GAO) guidance, it is important for agencies to establish organizational structure, assign responsibility, and delegate authority, so they can achieve their objectives. Support components need to improve their processes and procedures for addressing misconduct. Specifically, support components do not maintain comprehensive data about misconduct allegations; refer misconduct allegations consistently to OIG; provide guidance for supervisors and investigators on handling misconduct; and manage misconduct allegations effectively.
Open Recommendations
| Recommendation Number | Significant Recommendation | Recommended Questioned Costs | Recommended Funds for Better Use | Additional Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No | $0 | $0 | ||
| We recommend the Under Secretary for Management assign responsibility for the management and oversight of all misconduct allegations across support components and evaluate the best method to ensure that items a through g are completed: a) establish and implement a centralized oversight process for misconduct allegations; b) determine which support components identify or receive misconduct allegations; c) provide written guidance and training on the handling of misconduct allegations; d) develop a formal mechanism to communicate and collaborate regularly about misconduct allegations; e) establish a comprehensive system of record or database to manage and track allegations of misconduct; f) develop and implement a misconduct investigative process, including implementing and issuing written guidance on how to conduct misconduct allegation investigations; and g) develop and implement procedures for receiving and referring allegations to OIG. | |||||
