Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of the Inspector General

Summary

The TDCJ OIG is established under Texas Gov't Code §493.019 as an independent law-enforcement agency within the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ). The Inspector General — a TCOLE-certified peace officer — is appointed by and reports directly to the TBCJ chairman. The OIG investigates criminal offenses and misconduct by TDCJ employees (including correctional officers) and inmates, with jurisdiction over use-of-force incidents in state prisons. OIG investigators are commissioned peace officers with full investigative access to TDCJ records and facilities. The OIG can recommend disciplinary action, but TBCJ/TDCJ retain final authority over personnel decisions.