Ethics: The Department of Justice's Ethics Program
GGD-88-112BR
Published: Jul 19, 1988. Publicly Released: Aug 23, 1988.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Ethics Program to determine whether the program complied with statutory requirements and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Justice | The Attorney General should periodically evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the DOJ standards-of-conduct regulations, financial disclosure system, and postemployment enforcement system. |
Closed – Implemented
Justice has taken the actions recommended completing an evaluation of its ethics program and hiring a management analyst to do evaluations in the future.
|
| Department of Justice | The Attorney General should evaluate, in cooperation with the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), the ethics education program to improve the training DOJ employees receive in ethics and standards-of-conduct matters, including postemployment. |
Closed – Implemented
As GAO recommended, Justice initiated an evaluation of its ethics program and standards-of-conduct regulations on October 7, 1988. In line with the recommendation, Justice also hired a management analyst to serve as a catalyst and resource for ethics training in Justice.
|
| Department of Justice | The Attorney General should require DOJ components to provide copies of written opinions on ethics matters to OGE in accordance with OPM regulations. |
Closed – Implemented
Justice agreed to review its policy on referral opinions to OGE with a view toward identifying the types of opinions that it should and should not refer. GAO does not anticipate any further action by Justice to refer opinions to OGE because of a reluctance by Justice and OGE to publicize opinions.
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Topics
Civilian employeesConflict of interestsEthical conductFederal employeesFinancial disclosureLaw enforcementNoncompliancePersonnel managementProgram managementReporting requirements