Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Pennsylvania Statutes Title 62 P.S. Poor Persons and Public Welfare § 489. Investigative powers and duties

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) In furtherance of the purposes set forth in this act to prevent, deter, investigate and prosecute persons who have committed or are committing fraud against assistance programs, the department may:

(1) Conduct investigations of all suspected criminal activities related to fraud, misuse or theft of moneys or benefits, or Federal food stamps, committed by persons who are or have been participating in, or administering programs of the department, or by persons who aid or abet others in criminal activity affecting welfare programs.

(2) Establish an investigations unit which shall have the power and duty to:

(i) investigate alleged violations of all criminal statutes related to fraud or other criminal activity connected with assistance programs administered by the department, except that suspected fraud or other criminal activity by medical providers or vendors will be investigated by State or Federal enforcement units having specific mandated authority; and

(ii) work in conjunction with the appropriate prosecuting authorities in the prosecution of cases where it is determined that evidence of criminal activity exists.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) granting investigative authority to the department shall not prevent or interfere with the jurisdiction exercised by other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of welfare related violations.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 62 P.S. Poor Persons and Public Welfare § 489. Investigative powers and duties - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-62-ps-poor-persons-and-public-welfare/pa-st-sect-62-489/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard