The AIG was created by Cuyahoga County Ordinance which was codified into Title 4 of the Cuyahoga County Code. That Ordinance empowers this agency to investigate and review allegations ethical misconduct, fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. The agency is independent and autonomous; thereby assuring no interference or influence external to the Agency will adversely affect the independence and objectivity of our investigations.

The Cuyahoga County AIG’s jurisdiction encompasses all departments “under the supervision of the County Executive, and such boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities, in addition to or as part of those provided for” in the County Charter. The AIG also has jurisdiction over all vendors doing business with the County.

No. The AIG is not a law enforcement agency. As such, our investigators do not have the authority to arrest individuals. The Agency does, however, work in conjunction with law enforcement agencies throughout the County and State with respect to pursuing criminal investigations.

You should contact the AIG whenever you have reason to suspect fraud, waste, misconduct, or any other concerns within the County’s government. Our telephone hotline number is (216) 698-2999.

You can file a complaint in any of the following ways:

• You may call the Inspector General’s 24-hour Whistleblower Hotline at 216-698-2999.
• You can complete an online submission through the Whistleblower Complaint feature on this site.
• You can write to us at:
  Cuyahoga County Agency of the Inspector General
  Cuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters
  2079 East 9th Street, 6th Floor
  Cleveland, OH 44115
• You can fax at 216-698-2218.

You will be notified, and whenever possible, we will refer you to the appropriate agency or organization that can provide assistance.

If you tell us to keep your name confidential, we will do so unless we are required to disclose the information by law or judicial order.

Your complaint will be reviewed to determine whether the issue is within our jurisdiction and whether there is a basis for investigation. If so, the AIG will conduct an independent and objective investigation, employing an accomplished professional staff made up of trained investigators, with experience in combating corruption. If the evidence obtained during the course of our investigation substantiates your complaint, our findings will be referred to the appropriate agency for criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, ethics sanctions or other relevant proceedings. In addition, investigations frequently result in recommendations to County agencies for reforms of policies and practices that assist in eliminating opportunities for corruption and improve the effectiveness of government operations.

Investigations are only initiated upon the receipt of credible information alleging an act of fraud, waste, financial mismanagement or corruption within the AIG's jurisdiction. Only the Inspector General can authorize the initiation of an investigation.

Yes. Title 4 of the Cuyahoga County Code requires that a County employee who possesses actual knowledge of a violation of this Title shall make a whistleblower complaint with a supervisor within the employee’s chain of command, the Agency of Inspector General, or the Department of Human Resources, unless the individual knows the violation has already been reported.