S.C. Code Ann. § 1-6-50: Investigatory powers; subpoena; report and advice; civil actions.

The State Inspector General has the following powers:

(A) As part of an investigation, the State Inspector General may:

(1) administer oaths;

(2) examine witnesses under oath;

(3) issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum; and

(4) examine the records, reports, audits, reviews, papers, books, recommendations, contracts, correspondence, or any other documents maintained by an agency.

(B) The State Inspector General may apply to a circuit court for an order holding an individual in contempt of court if the individual refuses to give sworn testimony under a subpoena issued by the State Inspector General or otherwise disobeys a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum issued by the State Inspector General.

(C) For an investigation that results in a report, the State Inspector General must prepare a written report that remains confidential until it is issued as a final report. The State Inspector General is the authority who determines if an investigation requires a report. The State Inspector General, in his discretion, may give an agency advice or recommendations that remain confidential and are not issued as a report.

(D) If the Attorney General has elected not to file a civil action for the recovery of funds misappropriated, diverted, missing, or unlawfully gained, the State Inspector General may file a civil action for the recovery of the funds pursuant to Section 1-6-70 of this chapter.