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1. Why does M-NCPPC have an Office of the Inspector General?

The creation of the Office of the Inspector General is mandated in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Land Use Division II, §15-401 – 15-508. 

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) assists the Commission by providing independent evaluation and recommendations regarding opportunities to:

• Improve the effectiveness, productivity, or efficiency of Commission programs, policies, practices, and operations;
• Ensure public accountability by preventing, investigating, and reporting instances of fraud, waste, and abuse of Commission property or funds;
• Examine, evaluate, and report on the adequacy and effectiveness of the systems of internal controls and their related accounting, financial, technology, and operational policies; and
• Preserve the Commission’s reputation.

2. Where does the OIG fit in the organization?

The OIG is independent.  The OIG is led by the Inspector General (IG), who is appointed by the Commission’s Audit Committee.  The OIG is governed by the Audit Committee. 

 OIG staff includes three (3) Assistant Inspectors General, one (1) IT Audit Manager, and a part time administrative assistant.  Contact Information.

3. How are units selected for audit?

The IG, in coordination with the Audit Committee, develops an annual work plan based on an assessment of relative risks, that identifies areas and processes to be reviewed. In developing the work plan, the IG takes into consideration requests from the planning boards, commissioners, Commission employees, elected officials and members of the public.  The IG has final authority on the completion of work assignments.

 To assist in this process, each year, the OIG performs a comprehensive risk assessment. With input from Commission management and key stakeholders, audit risk areas, such as purchase card processes, information systems or facilities are identified. The OIG then decides which areas to audit based on the results of the assessment and the audit resources available.

4. What are internal inspectors/auditors looking for?

Primarily compliance with Commission policies and sound internal controls. M-NCPPC’s policies are designed to help ensure we all comply with applicable laws and regulations and operate efficiently. By following these policies, we help protect the Commission from unnecessary risks and help ensure sound business practices are consistent throughout the Commission. Commission policies can be found here: Agency-wide Policy, Manuals, Guidance and Union Agreements

 However, not all internal controls can be codified in policy. If we find control weaknesses, we regularly make recommendations to implement a control even though it may not be specifically required by policy.

5. How do I Report, Fraud, Waste, and Abuse?

Please call or email the Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance hotline.  The hotline or web reporting system is a confidential and anonymous solution for reporting illegal and unethical activities. It can be accessed toll-free at 1-800-363-5524 or http://www.reportlineweb.com/mncpc.

If you prefer to contact the Inspector General directly, please email your concerns to renee.kenney@mncppc.org.

6. Who audits the Office of the Inspector General?

The Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) promulgated by the Government Accountability Office states that each audit organization performing audits in accordance with GAGAS must have an external peer review performed by reviewers independent of the audit organization at least once every 3 years.

The Association of Local Government Auditors completed a peer review of the OIG for the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017. Based on the results of the review, the OIG’s internal quality control system was suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with Government Auditing Standards.

7. If I call you with information about a possible irregularity, will my identity be kept a secret?

The Commission has implemented a Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) hotline. The hotline or web reporting system is a confidential and anonymous solution for reporting illegal and unethical activities. It can be accessed toll-free at 1-800-363-5524 or http://www.reportlineweb.com/mncppc.

If you contact us directly, your identity will be kept confidential within the legal limits of the law. We will not reveal our sources to the person being investigated; and we always try to corroborate any accusations with our own observation.