§ 53. Functions and duties. The state inspector general shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. receive and investigate complaints from any source, or upon his or her own initiative, concerning allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in any covered agency;

2. inform the heads of covered agencies of such allegations and the progress of investigations related thereto, unless special circumstances require confidentiality;

3. determine with respect to such allegations whether disciplinary action, civil or criminal prosecution, or further investigation by an appropriate federal, state or local agency is warranted, and to assist in such investigations;

4. prepare and release to the public written reports of such investigations, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, subject to redaction to protect the confidentiality of witnesses. The release of all or portions of such reports may be deferred to protect the confidentiality of ongoing investigations;

5. review and examine periodically the policies and procedures of covered agencies with regard to the prevention and detection of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse;

6. recommend remedial action to prevent or eliminate corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in covered agencies;

7. establish programs for training state officers and employees regarding the prevention and elimination of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in covered agencies.