52:15B-8 Powers of the Inspector General.

8. a. The Inspector General shall have all the powers necessary to carry out the duties and functions and to fulfill the responsibilities described in this act, including the power to conduct investigations, and in pursuit thereof, evaluations, inspections, and other reviews.

b. The Inspector General and the office shall conduct investigations in accordance with prevailing national and professional standards, rules, and practices relating to such investigations in government environments, and the Inspector General shall ensure that the office remains in compliance with such standards, rules, and practices.

c. In furtherance of an investigation, the Inspector General may compel at a specific time and place, by subpoena, the appearance and sworn testimony of any person whom the Inspector General reasonably believes may be able to give information relating to a matter under investigation. For this purpose, the Inspector General is empowered to administer oaths and examine witnesses under oath, and compel any person to produce at a specific time and place, by subpoena, any documents, books, records, papers, objects, or other evidence that the Inspector General reasonably believes may relate to a matter under investigation.

If any person to whom such subpoena is issued fails to appear or, having appeared, refuses to give testimony, or fails to produce the books, papers or other documents required, the Inspector General may apply to the Superior Court and the court may order the person to appear and give testimony or produce the books, papers or other documents, as applicable. Any person failing to obey the court's order may be punished by the court as for contempt.

d. A person compelled to appear by the Inspector General and provide sworn testimony shall have the right to be accompanied by counsel, who shall be permitted to advise the witness of his or her rights. A witness compelled to appear and testify shall be accorded all due process rights.

L.2005, c.119, s.8; amended 2007, c.52, s.18.