For the Russian satirical play by Nikolai Gogol, see The Government Inspector
For the Danny Kaye film based on the play, see The Inspector General (film)
An inspector general, in a government or military organization, is an individual, or office function, to which concerns about improprieties can be taken. Such a function either reports to the highest level of authority within the organization, or possibly to an external agency empowered to investigate.
Inspectors general often may initiate audits and investigation in the absence of a specific complaint.