Senior Investigator, ISAU

About the Office of the Inspector General (OIG or Office)  

Since its creation as the nation’s first state-level inspector general’s office, the Massachusetts OIG has been at the forefront of promoting effective government and the responsible use of public money and property. The OIG is an independent agency charged with preventing and detecting fraud, waste and abuse in the use of public funds and public property. By statute, the Inspector General (IG) has broad authority to oversee the use of state, local and federal funds by state and local governments, as well as by those who receive government funds or use public property. This includes state agencies, counties, cities, towns, quasi-governmental authorities and districts, as well as individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations that do business with the government.   

The Office is led by the Inspector General of the Commonwealth, who is appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and Auditor “…solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, management analysis, public administration, investigation or criminal justice administration.” M.G.L. c. 12A, § 2. 

The OIG is organized into three bureaus: Specialty & General Government, Legal & Compliance, and Operations, Training & Publications. Each bureau contains divisions that focus on specific agencies, issues or functions. Together the bureaus work to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse of public resources in the Commonwealth. Additional information about the office may be found at Welcome to the Office of the Inspector General | Mass.gov.  

The OIG enabling statute is Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 12A). Further details may be found at Chapter 12A (malegislature.gov).  

Specialty and General Government Bureau 

The Specialty and General Government Bureau is managed by the Deputy Inspector General. This bureau safeguards public assets through oversight of specific agencies (both statutory and OIG-created divisions), special government funding (like pandemic relief), public procurement, and state and local government. 

Internal Special Audit Unit 

The Internal Special Audit Unit (ISAU) monitors the quality, efficiency and integrity of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT) operating and capital programs. The ISAU's oversight encompasses all MassDOT's divisions: the Highway Division, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Rail and Transit, the Aeronautics Division, and the MBTA. By statute, under M.G.L. Chapter 6C Section 9e, the ISAU is mandated to examine and assess MassDOT's governance, risk-management practices and internal processes to ensure they are adequate and effective. As part of its mission, the ISAU conducts investigations and reviews to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse of transportation and transit dollars. To help protect transportation funds, the division collaborates with MassDOT and the MBTA to identify ways to lower costs, recover funds, and stop wasteful spending. 

The ISAU also works to prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse in the expenditure of public funds on transportation related programs and projects by regional transit authorities and cities and towns. The ISAU operates two confidential hotlines - one for the public and one for MassDOT and MBTA employees to report suspected fraud, waste or abuse in public transportation spending. 

Further details may be found at General Law - Part I, Title II, Chapter 6C, Section 9

Senior Investigator: Position Overview 

The Senior Investigator will manage complex reviews and investigations as assigned and is responsible for developing case plans and assigning team duties and responsibilities on larger reviews and investigations. This position will mentor and supervise the case teams, including lead investigators, investigators and analysts. The Senior Investigator will also review case teams’ workpapers and analyses and provide constructive feedback.  

The Senior Investigator will develop all aspects of review and investigative casework, including, but not limited to, evaluating complaints; creating investigative plans; conducting field investigations, interviews and covert surveillance; compiling, reviewing and analyzing data and evidence relevant to reviews and investigations; and drafting case progress reports, case closing reports, administrative document requests and summonses. Often, the Senior Investigator works on multiple cases concurrently. The Senior Investigator also will provide administrative, grand jury and courtroom testimony when required. The Senior Investigator will also develop recommendations for procedures and internal controls, and will lead the drafting of investigative reports, public advisories and letters that report on the ISAU’s work.