The jurisdiction of the Office of the Ohio Inspector General (IGO) extends to the Governor, his staff members, state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, and any other entities appointed, employed, controlled, directed, or subject to the authority of the Governor. This includes state colleges and universities, but does not include community colleges.

Unless specifically authorized in legislation, the office is prohibited from examining, investigating, and making recommendations concerning the legislature, any court, the Secretary of State, the Auditor of State, the Treasurer of State, or the Attorney General.

Complaints received by the office are reviewed and evaluated to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe the underlying allegations, if true, would constitute a wrongful act or omission on the part of a state officer, agency, or employee. At the conclusion of an investigation a report of investigation is completed and provided to the Governor and the agency subject to investigation. The report may include recommendations for the agency to consider in addressing and avoiding the recurrence of fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption uncovered by the investigation. When appropriate, a report of investigation may also be forwarded to a prosecutor for review to determine whether the underlying facts give rise to a criminal prosecution.