LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County is taking steps to create a new Office of the Inspector General (IG) that would help prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in local government.
During a public meeting on April 8, the Charles County commissioners reached a consensus to begin drafting legislation that would establish the new oversight office. The proposed legislation is expected to be ready for review by late May or early June, to pass it before the commissioners’ August break. If approved, the office could be up and running by July 2026.
The inspector general would act as a watchdog for county government, with the power to investigate complaints and examine how public resources are being used. The role would be separate from existing departments and designed to operate without political influence. The office would be located outside of the main government building to help maintain its independence.
Charles County is reviewing models from other Maryland jurisdictions that have established inspector general offices, including Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Howard County, for guidance and best practices. Since these counties are larger and have greater financial resources, local officials emphasize the importance of tailoring the office to match Charles County’s scale and budget.
In the meantime, commissioners plan to host an educational session with experts who have experience running similar offices. This session will help commissioners better understand how an IG operates, the certifications required, and how the role differs from internal auditors who already work in county government.
The county is also exploring the idea of hiring a consultant this year to review how government departments operate and suggest cost-saving improvements. That review could serve as a foundation for the IG’s future work and help fund the office in the long term.
Commissioners also discussed how the new IG office would work with other oversight bodies, like the Ethics Commission and the Police Accountability Board. Decisions about whether those groups would report to the IG are still being considered.
Next steps include:
- Drafting a detailed proposal for the office
- Scheduling an educational session for commissioners
- Estimating costs and exploring ways the office could help save money in the future
- Deciding on a suitable office location outside of the government building to protect independence
If approved, the office could begin operating in July 2026, with a separate board created ahead of time to oversee the hiring of the inspector general.
Watch the afternoon session of the Board of County Commissioners: April 8, 2025 – Afternoon Session on CCGTV.
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