Office of Government Ethics

Office of Government Ethics, agency of the U.S. federal government, established on January 1, 1979, to safeguard against conflicts of interest and abuse of public trust by federal officials. The agency, set up under the provisions of the Ethics in Government Act (1978), operates within the Office of Personnel Management. Its main function is to review financial disclosure statements required of all high-level federal employees. In addition to income, other assets, and liabilities, these statements must report any agreements for future employment. Fines or other penalties may be imposed on anyone who willfully gives false information or fails to file a disclosure statement as required by law.

Under the 1978 act, federal officials are prohibited for one year after their term of office ends from representing an outside employer before their former agency; exceptions are made for those employed by state or local governments, institutions of higher learning, or medical facilities. A special prosecutor may be appointed to investigate violations.