Report: CIA investigating its IG

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The head of the CIA has ordered an investigation into the agency's investigative arm, its inspector general, The New York Times reported Thursday.

The newspaper cited current and former government officials who said the inquiry is being carried out by a small group of people reporting directly to Gen. Michael Hayden, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The sources said many CIA agents resented Inspector General John Helgerson's investigations of CIA interrogation and detention programs.

The investigation was described as focusing on whether Helgerson had targeted employees involved in controversial programs.

One former CIA inspector general said he strongly opposes the inquiry into Helgerson's actions.

“I think it’s a terrible idea,” said Frederick Hitz, who teaches at the University of Virginia. “Under the statute, the inspector general has the right to investigate the director. How can you do that and have the director turn around and investigate the IG?”