Once OCR accepts a complaint, an Investigator is assigned. Some Investigators are OCR staff members. Others perform work for OCR under contract with a private company or agreement with another Federal agency. OCR must complete its investigation within 180 calendar days after the date the complaint is filed. If the complainant and OCR agree that more time is needed, this time period may be extended for up to 90 days.
Investigators collect evidence related to the complaint.
They also decide which witnesses will be interviewed and which documents will be collected. Investigators do not make or recommend decisions about whether a law has been violated. They also do not give advice to the complainant, agency witnesses, or other witnesses. Testimony is usually summarized in signed statements, also called affidavits. Witnesses swear to the truth of their affidavits under penalty of perjury.