All EEOC employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers are required to cooperate with OIG audits, evaluations, and investigations or face possible administrative action. Cooperation means testifying if asked and providing information relating to the performance of your job-related duties. Employees are also responsible for reporting violations, suspected violations of the law, or any abuse, waste, mismanagement, or irregular activities regarding EEOC programs to the Office of Inspector General.
The OIG is authorized to access all documents relating to EEOC programs and operations. The Inspector General may subpoena documents from private and non-federal government entities as necessary to conduct investigations. Cooperating with an OIG audit, evaluation, or investigation does not curtail an individual's Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate oneself. Also, Federal laws protect employees from reprisal by employers for "blowing the whistle" on illicit activity. Click here to learn more about whistleblower protection.