# Presentation: 025560

## Complaint Processing Briefing

## XXX (Unit ID)

- Col. John J. Smith

## Inspector General Team

- Col John J. Smith
- XXX-XXXX
- MSgt Sam J. Jones
- XXX-XXXX
- FWA HOTLINE: XXX-XXXX

## Objectives

- Why an Inspector General?
- What about Complaints?
- Expectations

## What Does the IG Do?

- Pulse of the Command
- Readiness
- Efficiency
- State of Discipline
- Economy

## The Inspector General

-  Authority
- For the military - “It is the Law”
- Title 10 USC, Section 8014 and 8020
- For the CAP - “It is the right thing to do.”
- Constitution and By Laws
- CAP Regulations
- Any Thing, Any Time, Any Where

## Complaints “The Rules”

- _No one_ may deny CAP personnel access to an Inspector General
- Identities of complaints and confidential witnesses are protected from disclosure
- CAP personnel can not be retaliated against for making or preparing to make a privileged communication

## Complaints “Problem Solvers”

-  Chain of Command is the _Primary_ and _Preferred_ channel for resolving complaints
- Try supervisor and commander first ....
- Do not forget the Chaplain and MLOs
- AND...

## Complaints “Problem Solvers”

- Use established redress/appeal system before coming to the IG

## Complaints “The Right Stuff”

- IG matters include:
- Allegations of injustice
- Violations of directives
- Mismanagement
- Waste of funds
- Abuse of Authority
- Substantial Danger to Public Health/Safety

## Complaints “Other Issues”

- IG matters Do Not include
- Conditions of employment for corporate employees
- Allegations of reprisal for corporate employees
- Civilian Equal Employment Opportunity matters
- Criminal activity
- I Do not Like ....
- The IG will refer these matters to the appropriate OPR

## Complaints “Considerations”

- IG is a Command investigating function
- IG _finds the facts_, does not determine guilt or innocence
- Pending actions will _**NOT**_ stop while an IG investigation is ongoing.

## Complaints “Your Rights”

- Unrestricted access to IG (or any established grievance channel)
- May withdraw the complaint
- No reprisal

## Complaints “Your Responsibilities

- Truthfulness
- Provide facts and other information you believe to be true and related to the issue
- Timeliness
- File complaint promptly - complaints can be dismissed if more than 60 days old.
- Substantive
- Documentation

## How to file a complaint

- Set an appointment with IG
- Submit a letter
- E-mail
- FAX
- Call a ‘hotline’, if located on a military base.

## Where to file a complaint

- XXX CAP IG

## Complaints “The Process”

- You file a complaint with the IG
- IG reviews/determines acceptability
- Case is investigated
- Case is coordinated
- IG sends you a response

## Writing Your Senator or Congressman??

- Your complaint
- Sent to your representative
- Forwarded to Air Force Legislative Liaison (AF/LL)
- Forwarded to Secretary of the Air Force IG
- To date, you have wasted approximately 30 - 45 days using this approach.

## A Mass Mailing???

- You can write to more than one person or  office at a time...._BUT_
- Only 1 point of contact (highest level)
- The entire IG system slows down
- Wait for referral
- Best advice: start at lowest level

## It Takes Time

- Use your
- Commander
- Appeals channels
- CAP Inspector General
- Resolution at lowest level is smartest use of time

## Word of Caution

- The answer you get may _NOT_ always be the answer you want.
- Just because you do not get the answer you want does not mean another investigation.
- You may or may not find out what action a Commander took on behalf of your complaint.
- It may be none of your business.
- Commanders discretion determines “Fair”..
- The IG is only tasked with finding “Facts”, not determining “Guilt”.

## Summary

- The Inspector General system _IS:_
- Labor intensive
- Redundant
- Multi-layered
- Time consuming
- Expensive
_**BUT**_

## Civil Air Patrol Credibility

- The Civil Air Patrol will pay the price to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all members!