What GAO Found

The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) have some overlapping authorities to investigate complaints regarding the Coast Guard. From October 2018 through May 2024, CGIS investigated at least 4,951 such complaints, and DHS OIG investigated 70 such complaints. CGIS is an independent investigative body within the Coast Guard that primarily conducts criminal investigations related to Coast Guard personnel, assets, and operations. DHS OIG investigates complaints of alleged criminal, civil, and administrative misconduct involving Coast Guard employees, contractors, and programs, among others.

CGIS and DHS OIG identified the need to prevent duplicative investigations, but the two agencies have not fully followed five out of six selected leading practices for collaboration. For example, the agencies have different perspectives on which complaints CGIS should refer to DHS OIG. Fully following these five practices to improve collaboration, consistent with their statutory responsibilities, would better position the agencies to deconflict their investigative activities and ensure effective and appropriate allocation of resources.

Extent of Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Collaboration

Why GAO Did This Study

CGIS and DHS OIG play critical roles in overseeing the Coast Guard-a multi-mission maritime military service within DHS that employs more than 51,000 personnel.

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 includes a provision for GAO to assess the oversight of Coast Guard activities. This report examines the extent that (1) DHS OIG has processes in place to ensure timely and effective oversight of Coast Guard activities and (2) CGIS and DHS OIG coordinate on complaints, among other things.

GAO evaluated CGIS's and DHS OIG's processes for referring Coast Guard complaints to one another against GAO-identified leading practices for collaboration. GAO analyzed CGIS and DHS OIG investigative data, reviewed the 2003 memorandum of understanding and CGIS standard operating procedures, and interviewed CGIS and DHS OIG officials.