New Orleans Charter calls for an Inspector General to oversee operation of the government, specifically to search out and eliminate fraud. Shelley Midura campaigned on a platform that included creating the IG's office in New Orleans.

In November 2006 the City Council voted to finally create the IG's office and funded it with $250,000. They also voted to take a formative role in establishing initial operating procedures and policies.

In June, 2007 Robert Creasoli was appointed IG by the Ethics Review Board per the city's charter.Creasoli takes office September 4, 2007.

Underfunded and resisted by the city government we find him in October 2007 working out of an 8 by 8 cubicle at the Loyola Library. A new controversy begins to swirl as the City Attorney releases a memo indicating the IG will not be permitted to retain independent counsel, but will have to rely on the city's attorneys.