THE INSPECTOR GENERAL (IG) CONCEPT WAS INITIATED AFTER AN INVESTIGATION SHOWING A LACK OF COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION AMONG THE NUMEROUS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT UNITS. THE IG OFFICE, SUBSEQUENTLY ESTABLISHED IN THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT, WORKED WELL BUT LACKED STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND WAS ABOLISHED BY THE AGENCY HEAD. IN 1974, INVESTIGATIONS OF WASTE, ABUSE, AND FRAUD IN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE PROGRAMS DEMONSTRATED THE NEED FOR A CENTRAL UNIT WITH THE AUTHORITY, RESPONSIBILITY, AND RESOURCES TO ACT AGAINST ABUSES. AS A RESULT OF THESE FINDINGS, CONGRESS INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO SET UP IG OFFICES IN 12 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES. ALTHOUGH AGENCIES OPPOSED THE LEGISLATION, LARGELY BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT THEIR OPERATIONS TO BE MONITORED, CONGRESS OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED THE BILL. THE LAW REQUIRES IGS TO CONDUCT AND SUPERVISE AUDITS AND INVESTIGATIONS, PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND COORDINATION IN EFFORTS TO PREVENT AND DETECT FRAUD AND ABUSE, AND INFORM AGENCY HEADS AND CONGRESS ABOUT SUCH PROBLEMS. IGS ARE PROTECTED FROM FIRING OR INTERFERENCE FROM AGENCY HEADS. (CFW)