Where do I file an IG complaint?
You can file an IG complaint with any IG office. However, that IG office may determine that the complaint should be transferred to another IG office for action. This occurs when the complaint can be better addressed by another location's IG (for example, if you PCS and are filing based on issues at your previous base). IGs are also charged to transfer complaints to the lowest level possible; this enables the higher-level IG to be available to review rebuttals and/or appeals of the lower-level decision. Normally, the case will be transferred to the wing level (unless the complaint implicates the wing commander and/or their immediate subordinate(s)). Complaints received simultaneously at several levels will normally be transferred to the lowest possible level. Additionally, complaints filed with the DoD Hotline, SAF/IG, and your Congressman that contain issues appropriate for IG action will also be forwarded to the appropriate IG office.
How do I file an IG complaint?
The best method for filing an IG complaint is by using Section I of the AF Form 102, Inspector General Personal and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Complaint Registration, available on the Air Force website.
· Complete all the personal information so that the IG can later contact you.
· Enter a description of the allegations (see below for how to write an allegation).
· List all relevant witnesses and their contact information, if known; ensure you include the names of any alleged wrongdoers here -- the IG is an independent fact finder and must weigh both sides in making any determination on a case.
· Attach any relevant documentation; if you cannot fit all the circumstances of your complaint in the allegation portion of the AF Form 102, you
can attach additional narrative pages as well.
· Mark yes or no for whether or not you've asked your commander for assistance. If no, explain why.
· Sign and date the form. Note that this form is an official statement. You will be held accountable for knowingly providing false information.
Once completed, you can mail or fax the AF Form 102 to the IG's office. If you prefer to deliver the complaint in person, call the IG office for an appointment. Additional methods for filing a complaint are in-person visits and e-mail. We recommend making an appointment before an in-person visit. If you e-mail your complaint, we will contact you to confirm your identity.
We do accept anonymous complaints and give them the same weight as complaints by identified members. We cannot confirm receipt or provide the outcome of anonymous complaints.
How do I write an allegation?
Allegations should address the following questions:
· Who committed the violation?
· What violation was committed?
· What law, regulation, procedure, or policy was violated?
· When did the violation occur?
An example of a correctly written allegation is: Lt Col Smith misused a government vehicle on/about 18 Nov 05 by utilizing a government contract vehicle and government contract driver as transportation to the local airport for personal business, in violation of AFI 24-301, Vehicle Operations.
If you are unsure of the standard that was violated, but think "it has to violate something," include all relevant facts and the IG office will research the standard as part of their complaint analysis process. If you don't have a complaint, but need help and don't know where to go, contact the IG and we will provide you assistance or refer you to an agency that can assist.
When do I file an IG complaint?
IG complaints are normally not accepted more than 60 days after the complainant learned of the wrongdoing. However, if your complaint is more than 60 days old, include the reasons why you were unable to file a complaint within the 60-day period. We will address issues older than 60 days if the complainant provides clear justification for the delay and/or there is a compelling Air Force interest. However, delays in submitting the complaint can affect the availability of relevant evidence and the quality of recollection by witnesses.
What issues are normally handled by the IG?
IGs normally handle complaints that cannot be handled by other grievance channels. IGs will also handle complaints that another agency did not properly follow its process. Example: A racial or gender discrimination complaint must be handled by the Equal Opportunity (EO) office; however, if you previously filed an EO complaint and believe they did not follow correct procedures, this complaint may be appropriate for IG channels. IGs are specifically charged to handle Fraud, Waste, and Abuse issues (unless the issue meets the criminal threshold for referral to Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI). IGs are also charged to address allegations of reprisal (under 10 USC 1034) and improper mental health referrals. Complaints involving general officers, general officer equivalents, and general officer selects are handled by SAF/IGS; however, you may file the complaint with your local IG office for forwarding to SAF/IGS.
What happens after I file a complaint?
The complaints resolution process begins when a complaint is received by the IG. If possible, the IG will acknowledge receipt of the complaint at that time. If the complaint was received via fax, e-mail, or mail, the IG is required to confirm receipt (in writing, by telephone, or in person). The IG office normally provides confirmation via mail to ensure you have a written receipt. If the complaint is transferred, referred out or dismissed (see below), or you are provided assistance, the acknowledgement letter may also serve as a closure letter. You will also receive follow-up interim responses (60 days after the date you filed your complaint, and every 60 days thereafter) until we consider your complaint closed.
The next step is analysis of the complaint. This is where the IG evaluates the allegations and determines what action is appropriate: IG investigation, assistance, dismissal, transfer, or referral. Upon completion of a dismissal, assist, referral, or transfer action, we will provide a closure letter to notify you of the IG's final action.
As stated previously, we transfer complaints between IGs if the receiving IG is more appropriate to handle the complaint; complaint transfer is not a promise of investigation--the receiving IG will conduct their own analysis and determine the appropriate action.
Assistance is provided when there is no recognizable wrong, but IG involvement may facilitate solving the issue.
Referring is used to send the complaint to a more appropriate outside agency; we normally request a copy of the agencies response to confirm closure.
We dismiss complaints that show no evidence of wrongdoing and when assistance or referral is not appropriate.
If our analysis shows there is sufficient evidence that wrongdoing may have occurred, we will investigate. If the determination is made to investigate, the appointing authority appoints the investigating officer (IO) and we notify anyone identified as a subject (person(s) who violated a law, regulation, or standard).
The investigation includes witness interviews and collection of evidence. You, the complainant, should expect to be interviewed first. The IO then writes the report of investigation (ROI). The IO will determine findings (substantiated or not su