Office of Inspector General (OIG)

The DES Office of Inspector General works to protect Arizonans. It helps prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct.

OIG has eight administrations:

• Investigations Administration
• Unemployment Insurance Benefit Fraud
• Public Assistance Benefit Fraud
• Internal Audit
• Appellate Services
• Protective Services
• Emergency Planning and Preparedness
• Business Operations

Investigations Administration (IA)

IA conducts administrative and criminal investigations into:

• Rental fraud
• SNAP trafficking
• Child care fraud
• Forensic analysis
• Employee misconduct

The Investigations Support Team helps gather information and manage the OIG fraud call center.

Unemployment Insurance Benefit Fraud (UIBF)

UIBF investigates violations of Arizona UI laws.

Investigations may lead to:

• Criminal charges
• Civil or administrative action
• Recommendations to improve UI processes

Learn more about unemployment fraud.

Public Assistance Nutrition Fraud (PABF)

PABF investigates possible fraud related to SNAP and TANF benefits.

They review cases involving:

• Household eligibility
• Income reporting
• Misuse of benefits

Investigations may be administrative or criminal.

Internal Audit Administration (IAA)

IAA provides independent and fair audits and reviews.

Their goal is to help DES:

• Meet operational goals
• Reduce risk
• Follow rules and laws
• Prevent fraud, waste, and abuse

IAA has five audit teams:

• Two teams focus on ensuring compliance with predetermined areas based on arrangements with specific DES divisions.
• Three teams focus on addressing internal processes that could benefit from an audit based on an agency-wide risk assessment.

Appellate Services Administration (ASA)

ASA holds administrative tribunal hearings about :

• Unemployment
• Public assistance
• Other DES benefit programs

If someone disagrees with a DES decision, they may request a hearing.

There are two levels of review:

Lower Tribunal (First Level Appeal)

• Holds new hearings
• Reviews the case in a fair and impartial way

Appeals Board (Second Level Appeal)

• Reviews decisions from the lower tribunal
• Reviews cases if someone files a Petition for Review
• Holds some initial hearings, such as certain UI Tax cases

Protective Service Administration (PSA)

PSA provides security for all people at DES locations. They help protect people and property.

PSA also:

• Assesses security risks
• Recommends safety measures
• Reviews and responds to security incidents
• Issues employee ID badges statewide

Emergency Planning and Preparedness Administration (EPPA)

EPPA plans for emergencies and unusual events. They work with DES staff and other agencies.

Their work includes:

• Emergency Repatriation Operations planning
• Continuity of Operations planning
• Representing DES at the State Emergency Operations Center
• Leading training and emergency exercises

During an emergency repatriation event, EPPA helps coordinate the return of U.S. citizens and their families.

Support may include:

• Temporary housing
• Financial assistance
• Family reunification following an evacuation from a foreign country by the State Department.

Business Operations Administration (BOA)

BOA supports the daily business needs of OIG. The team helps keep operations running smoothly.

Their work includes:

• Purchasing
• Travel coordination
• Data tracking
• Budgeting and financial analysis

BOA uses a centralized system to handle all business requirements. The team adapts as OIG needs change.