§ 2-303. Authority.

The Office of Ethics and Accountability is authorized to engage in the following specific functions:

(a)

Evaluate, investigate and inspect the activities, records, and individuals with contracts, procurements, grants, agreements, and other financial or programmatic arrangements undertaken by or on behalf of the County Government and any other function, activity, process, or operation conducted by County government;

(b)

Conduct criminal, civil, and administrative investigations;

(c)

Provide information and evidence that relates to criminal acts to appropriate law enforcement officials;

(d)

Initiate such reviews of operations of the County Government as deemed appropriate;

(e)

Receive and investigate complaints from any source or upon its own initiative concerning alleged abuse, fraud, and service deficiencies including deficiencies in the operation and maintenance of facilities;

(f)

Conduct joint investigations and projects with the Office of Audits and Investigations and other oversight or law enforcement agencies.

(g)

Issue public reports as set forth in Section 2-305 of this Division;

(h)

Establish policies and procedures to guide functions and processes conducted by the Office;

(i)

Provide support to the County Board of Ethics established by Section 2-292 of this Subtitle;

(j)

Make recommendations to the County Executive and County Council which would assist in the promotion of efficiency, accountability, and integrity in County government; and

(k)

Do all things necessary to carry out the functions set forth in this Division.

(CB-63-2012)