The Enforcement division's General Investigations section investigates recipient and overpayment referrals for Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The work of the General Investigations section results in the return of funds to the state treasury and agency programs.

Investigative activities are coordinated internally with other Inspector General sections, Health & Human Services Commission departments, and externally with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

The General Investigations section accomplishes these tasks by:

• Conducting recipient fraud investigations in the Food Stamps, TANF, and Medicaid programs
• Discovering and prosecuting retailer and recipient Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) fraud and abuse
• Enforcing Food Stamps and TANF disqualifications of recipients found guilty in court or administratively of intentional program violations
• Conducting CHIP recipient fraud investigations
• Clearing data matches; and/or
• Establishing non-fraud claims.

The General Investigations section also investigates:

• FEMA disaster assistance
• Special nutrition programs; and/or
• Medicaid misuse.

The General Investigations section also assists with Internal Affairs investigations and conducts other special investigations.

Trained investigators residing in all regions of the state conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations.