Statutory Authority

California Penal Code section 6125 establishes the Office of the Inspector General as an independent governmental entity and provides for the Inspector General to be appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation. Penal Code Section 6126, subdivision (a) (1) assigns the Inspector General responsibility for reviewing departmental policy and procedures, conducting audits of investigatory practices, and conducting investigations of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as requested by the Governor, Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, by a member of the Legislature, or at the initiative of the Inspector General. Penal Code section 6126.5 provides the Inspector General with access to and authority to examine records of the entities under the Inspector General's jurisdiction for any audit or investigation. Penal Code section 6128, subdivision (b) requires the Inspector General to establish a toll-free public telephone number for the purpose of identifying any alleged wrongdoing by an employee of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.