Inspector General Action Requests IGAR

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Inspector General Action Requests (IGAR)
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IGAR 7 Steps

• Receive the request
• Identify the issues/allegations
• Acknowledge receipt of the request
• Conduct a preliminary analysis
• Obtain the facts (inquiry or investigation)
• Conduct follow-up
• Close the case file

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Step 1 Receive the Request
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The Complaint Process

• Received at all levels via letters, faxes, phone
  calls, email, or walk-ins
• Complainant may be frustrated
• Downplay the complainants emotions to enable
  him/her to be as articulate as possible
• Initial complaint should be in writing

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Walk-In Complainant

• Pre-screen walk-in requesters in private area
• Give plenty of time to complainant
• Maintain control of interview
• Have them personally write the statement
• Privacy Act release
• Ask What do you want the IG to do?

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Write-In Complainant

• This could be letters, fax or email
• Often need to conduct a telephonic interview as
  follow-up.
• Request additional information be submitted in
  writing or over email

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Call-In Complainant

• Briefly interview the complainant to ensure IG
  appropriate issue
• Take notes of important facts
• Always try to get the complaint in writing
• Defuse the conversation if necessary

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When NOT to Open a Case

• When NO basis for action exists
• When conduct described is not improper by MCO,
  regulation, law, etc.
• Matter for Referral
• When complainant suffers from psychological
  illness (alien abduction)
• CONGRINT or other inquiry in progress

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Step 2 Identify the IssuesDevelop the
Allegations
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Drafting the Allegations

• IGMC will draft broad allegations as made by the
  complainant
• These are NOT carved in stone
• The scope of the investigation should not be
  limited by the initial allegations
• Additional allegations may be added
• IO is obligated to mention allegations discovered
  during the investigation

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Composition of the Allegation

• Who, did what, when, in violation (or
  noncompliance) of what order/regulation or law.

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Developing the Allegations

• When drafting the allegations
• Use neutral, non-emotional wording
• Draft so that substantiation impropriety
• Group related complaints into one allegation
• Be cognizant of new allegations that arise during
  the conduct of the investigation

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Examples

• That Capt Smith had an inappropriate relationship
  with Cpl Jones during Jun/Jul 1999 in violation
  of Article 134 of the UCMJ.
• That SSgt Pennypincher has failed to provide
  adequate financial support to his dependents from
  Nov 1998 to March 1999 in violation of MCO
  5800.16A LEGADMINMAN.

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Step 3 Acknowledge the Request
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Acknowledgment Rules

• Acknowledgments to oral requests are made at that
  time
• Observe Privacy Act restrictions
• Use the same method as the requestor (email for
  email, letter for letter)
• Third Party Requesters

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Step 4 Preliminary Analysis
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Preliminary Analysis

• Ensure the complaint contains all the facts
• Dates, Times, Locations, Witnesses
• Who, What, When, Where
• Identify any regulation, MCO, Maradmin, etc. that
  was violated
• Determine if another agency is best suited to
  resolve the issue

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Courses of IG Action

• 2 possible outcomes of IG Action
• Assistance
• Inquiry
• Criminal vs. Administrative
• Inquiry vs. formal Investigation

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Step 5 Obtain the Facts(Investigation)
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IG Investigation Basics

• Formal Fact Finding process
• Compel sworn testimony
• Authority is formally directed
• Prescribed Report of Investigation format

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IG Investigation Sequence

• Obtain a formal directive
• Notify commander and subject
• Plan the investigation
• Notify the witnesses
• Gather and evaluate the evidence
• Write report, get endorsements
• Notify all parties of the results

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Step 6 Conduct Follow-Up
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Step 7 Close the Case
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Case Closeout Basics

• Final response to complainant or external
  agencies
• Stand alone report
• Appropriate accountability
• Case analysis
• File Storage

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Things to Avoid

• Taking the allegations personally
• Making the allegation too specific
• Attacking the complainants character
• Not using the reasonable person approach
• Trying to figure anonymous complainants identity
• Making promises of an investigation/resolution

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