Thats a good thing for Congress and the Presidency. Q: Can an employee decline to be interviewed? These investigations can result in criminal prosecutions, fines, civil monetary penalties, administrative sanctions, and personnel actions. Sometimes that gets misinterpreted and can cause some problems, Pretty states. Remember, if a buyer backs out and you re-list, youre going to have to disclose whatever was found in the report to future buyers, so the best thing to do is go ahead and complete the repairs and hold on to documentation from your contractor that proves the work was done. Its about the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the public trust. On Oversight.gov you can find the latest figures on these watchdogs contributions as well as investigative and audit reports on every kind of topic you can think of. Thats a whole house inspection, explains Beth Pretty, one of the top real estate agents in Midlothian, Virginia. Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Yes. Have questions about buying, selling or renting during COVID-19? If an investigation shows evidence of administrative wrongdoing on the part of a DHS employee, the ROI is presented to the Department which will take whatever personnel action it deems appropriate. Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the DHS Inspector General on July 25, 2019. Their job is simply to inspect and report their findings, and then let the buyer come to their own conclusion. The information above, though authoratiative and based on years of education, training and experience is not intended as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney/client relationship between the responder and the poster of the question. Please switch to a supported browser or download one of our Mobile Apps. It could be they are investigating a potential crime in which you may have been involved or they belive Reporting by my colleagues at the Project On Government Oversight revealed that the inspector general, Joseph Cuffari, allegedly suppressed investigations related to the White House. For example, if the electric needs to be re-wired, you should hire a licensed electrician. Webeaster egg, The Last of Us | 1.2K views, 27 likes, 0 loves, 1 comments, 1 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Nerdist: Every easter egg in The Last of Us episode 7! As a seller, its important to prepare yourself for the home inspection process, and to know how to negotiate after a home inspection if it comes back with some not-so-great news. Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Its clear that Congress cant rely on any White House to get it right. As a first-time homebuyer, its understandable that youd want to bring someone more knowledgeable along who could spot issues that you cant. Put another way, IGs are the original swamp drainers. As you look at properties, its essential to understand that no home is going to be perfect even newly constructed homes need an inspection! pushed the Health and Human Services IG to resign. Now, more than 40 years later, we have 75 offices of inspectors general working throughout the federal government to stop fraud and abuse. A: Generally, when an investigation is complete, OIG will produce a report based upon relevant witness interviews, records, and other evidence. provide recommendations for improving the performance, accountability, and integrity of House financial, WebSummary: In general, NO, there are reasons that it building could be inspected as such, structural integrity, after a automobile type of accident, or if it is a rental, See Details 2.Can city inspector inspect without permission? Robert C. Kellers Avvo Top Contributor Badges, Criminal Defense Attorney in Blue Bell, PA, Criminal Defense Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA, Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, Criminal Defense Attorney in Havertown, PA, This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in. Selling Your Rental Property? However, its always in your best interest to be there for the inspection so you can voice any concerns you may have about problems you may notice. They request a dollar amount they want back as a closing credit, which wont change the purchase price, but will lower your net profits. Both review types are designed to be flexible and to result in reports that provide meaningful and persuasive information and recommendations. If a home has a radon level higher than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the home needs a radon mitigation system to bring the radon to safe levels. If you are under investigaiton by the OIG, or are requested to appear at an OIG interview, it is important to know what is at stake. However, OIG strives to protect the confidentiality of Department employees who provide OIG with information. Auditors examine the methods employed by DHS, components, grantees, and contractors in carrying out essential programs and activities. The Office of Inspections and Evaluations is the lead OIG office for reporting on DHS intelligence, international affairs, civil rights and civil liberties, and science and technology. Real answers from licensed attorneys. My strong recommendation is that you do not return the call yourself but instead have a qualified criminal defense attorney do that for you; three important benefits will result from that course of action. You can find information about the OIG on their website: http://www.oig.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/oig_home. Using and accessing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship with Alan Lescht and Associates, P.C. In some cases, your real estate agent will hire the inspector and set up the appointment. The Office of Inspector General investigates allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse of GAO property, assets, and resources or other serious problems in GAO's operations, including the possible violations of rules and laws. If you feel that the repair requests are reasonable and you can afford to complete them, this is usually the best course of action. It seems like a good idea to take a few minutes to remember what Inspectors General are, why Congress created them in the first place, and how we got here. Used under license. Hello, you are using an old browser that's unsafe and no longer supported. They have to be fierce watchdogs, not lapdogs. Post your question and get advice from multiple lawyers. Choose an area of law that your issue relates to: See what other people are asking and the advice they're getting. The lawyer you select can make a dramatic impact in the way this matter is resolved. An inspection is an independent review and assessment of DHS programs, results, and/or resource management. A: OIG is staffed with trained, credentialed, and sworn special agents (criminal investigators who are federal law enforcement officers), investigative attorneys, and administrative investigators. However, instead of asking for a reduced price on the home, Pretty suggests buyers ask for credit toward closing costs. Post a free question on our public forum. At DHS and other Cabinet-level departments, the President nominates the Inspector General and the Senate must confirm the nomination. IGs have found everything from blatant government employee misconduct to procurement fraud and much more. A worst-case scenario, the buyer can usually back out of the deal as a result of a bad inspection. They both provided Congress with paltry excuses of lost confidence.. If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please let us know. In short, Congress designed Inspectors General to shine a bright light on waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the ever-expanding federal bureaucracy, with the hope that the Executive and Legislative Branches could work together and do something about it. You have a few options, and should pick your course of action based on what makes the most sense for you financially and for your local real estate market. He holds a master's degree in management and a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies. How Does HUD Calculate Amounts to Accept on Homes? What does the PA State Office of Inspector General do or handle? You can read more about him here. I always encourage the buyer at the beginning of the inspection to share anything that they have questions about, Pretty says. You need a strong code of professionalism to withstand pressures to go-along-to-get-along. *Processes vary slightly among DHS OIG Program Offices. The report will be reviewed within OIG to ensure that it is fact-based, objective, and clear. You want them to be licensed because most will provide a warranty, she notes. Call FEMA's toll-free fraud hotline at 866-720-5721 or local law enforcement officials if you A: OIG investigators will respect the confidentiality of Department employees as provided by law. Find a top real estate agent in your area to help you buy your dream home. You need a real backbone to wring wrongdoing from the bowels of the bureaucracy. Other than a whole house and radon inspections, there are different types of home inspections your agent may recommend. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes up through the ground youre breathing it right now.. It can even give you an out if there are issues that you feel are dealbreakers and decide not to move forward post-inspection. However, just like with the seller, others argue that the listing agent shouldnt be present at the inspection because this is the buyers opportunity to roam the property without feeling as though the agent is spying on them. A: Employees may assert their Fifth Amendment right to refuse to provide information on the grounds that the information might be used against them in a criminal proceeding. The Inspector General will be authorized to investigate possible illegal activities in state agencies, as well as to investigate mismanagement and related issues that undermine the effectiveness of agencies and limit their abilities to help Delawareans. In order to protect witness confidentiality, preserve the integrity of OIGs investigation, and other reasons (such as fairness and privacy considerations), OIG commonly requests that employees not discuss OIG interviews with their coworkers, subordinates, or supervisors. WebThe Inspector General: Directed by Henry Koster. IGs perform regular audits to identify and investigate fraud, criminality, misconduct, waste of funds and abuses of office. There really is no way to know what they might be investigating. Good luck. The home inspection reveals flaws in the home that could be considered a safety hazard, a significant problem, or a simple fix. Radon is an invisible, odorless, radioactive gas that can increase the risk of getting lung cancer. An employee may retain a private attorney at personal expense for representation during an OIG investigation or interview. Whistleblower Retaliation Reports of Investigation, Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the DHS Inspector General on July 25, 2019. Anything else you could think of? Avvo has 97% of all lawyers in the US. And because this work is so critical to Congress oversight role and to the public trust, Ive worked hard to ensure that any effort to remove an IG is for a darn good reason. They cant bow to personal agendas or political machinations, and they shouldnt be subject to inappropriate political pressures from any quarter. If the OIG believes you are involved in criminal activity, you could be subject to workplace discipline as well as criminal prosecution by the Justice Department for prosecution. A: Under Departmental directives DAO 207-10 and DOO 10-13, OIG investigators have authority to take sworn, written statements (i.e., affidavits). If we dont update the law, we can only expect future administrations to repeat the actions of current and prior administrations. According to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, the Inspector Generals mission is to: You may report allegations to the OIG Hotline via online form, by phone at 1 800-323-8603, or by U.S. Mail: The 35 Steps to Building a House: Your Start-to-Finish Guide. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not. However, its important to remember that you While part of the Department of Homeland Security, the OIG is also independent of the Department. And the administration should lean on that process going forward. The US Department of Energy has assessed that the Covid-19 pandemic most likely came from a laboratory leak in China, according to a newly updated classified OIG also investigates alleged reprisals against whistleblowers within the Department, as well as its contractors and certain grant recipients. Cracking foundations, settling, and basement water damage can be costly fixes. Most inspectors have a policy where they wont release the report to the buyer until the inspection is paid for, Pretty mentions. Calculate Amounts to Accept on Homes an OIG investigation or interview: can an employee decline to be,. Asking for a reduced price on the home that could be considered a safety hazard a. And persuasive information and recommendations there really is no way to know what they might be investigating why would the inspector general come to my house dealbreakers. They wont release the report to the buyer can usually back out of the deal as a homebuyer... 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