121.45 Cooperating in investigations. - Ohio Statutes

121.45 Cooperating in investigations.

Each state agency, and every state officer and state employee, shall cooperate with, and provide assistance to, the inspector general and any deputy inspector general in the performance of any investigation. In particular, each state agency shall make its premises, equipment, personnel, books, records, and papers readily available to the inspector general or a deputy inspector general.

The inspector general and any deputy inspector general may enter upon the premises of any state agency at any time, without prior announcement, if necessary to the successful completion of an investigation. In the course of an investigation, the inspector general and any deputy inspector general may question any state officer or state employee serving in, and any other person transacting business with, the state agency, and may inspect and copy any books, records, or papers in the possession of the state agency, taking care to preserve the confidentiality of information contained in responses to questions or the books, records, or papers that is made confidential by law.

In performing any investigation, the inspector general and any deputy inspector general shall avoid interfering with the ongoing operations of the state agency being investigated, except insofar as is reasonably necessary to the successful completion of the investigation.

Each state agency shall develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that prevent or reduce the risk of wrongful acts and omissions by its state officers or state employees.

Other state agencies that also are responsible for investigating, auditing, reviewing, or evaluating the management and operation of state agencies shall negotiate and enter into agreements with the office of the inspector general for the purpose of sharing information and avoiding duplication of effort.

Effective Date: 10-31-1990