Inspector General Complaint Process

CA, UNITED STATES

09.06.2019

Story by Capt. Jason Sanchez 

144th Fighter Wing

Lt. Col. John Sliney, 144th Fighter Wing inspector general, and Col. Jeremiah Cruz, 144th Fighter Wing commander, presented the IG complaint process and its legal requirements to Airmen throughout the Wing. These presentations were given from June through August 2019 during monthly commanders’ calls to educate Airmen.

The role of the IG is to serve as a fair, impartial, and objective fact-finder and problem solver, explained, Lt. Col. Sliney. He said that Airmen have a right to have access to the IG, and adverse action cannot be taken against a member because the member spoke to the IG.

Appropriate complaints to the IG include violations of law, instructions, rule, regulation, policy or other standard; abuse of authority as defined in AFI 90-301; fraud, waste, or abuse; reprisal; or restriction. If a member is unsure, the IG can provide clarification.

Lt. Col. Sliney briefed that any member of the Armed Forces may communicate information about a possible violation of law or regulation to any person in the member’s chain of command. If a member reasonably believes that information provides evidence of a violation, the member may share it without fear of reprisal.

“That’s a protected communication, and no one can use it to take a negative personnel action,” said Sliney. “One of the roles of the IG process is to give Airmen confidence in using their chain of command.”

Col. Cruz reiterated that Commanders cannot fix problems they do not know about, and he encourages Airmen to speak up if they see a problem or an issue.

“Please bring any issues to your supervisor or to your chain of command,” said Cruz. “However, if you are uncomfortable bringing to them, you are always welcome to bring the issue further up the chain, or to another supervisor, or commander, or to the IG, or your congressional representative.”

Col Cruz emphasized that when members bring an issue up their chain or any other reporting official, they will not be reprised against for doing so. He wants to ensure that members feel comfortable with the process.

Complaints may be submitted in-person to the IG, on behalf of another Airman, or anonymously using an Air Force Form 102. Additional information about filing complaints may be found at Caution-https://www.afinspectorgeneral.af.mil/Resources/File-a-IG-Complaint/.
A complainant may also withdraw a complaint, but an investigation may still occur.

Sliney clarified that when appropriate, most IG complains will be referred to the commander for a Command-Directed Investigation, unless the complaint involves reprisal or restriction.

Reprisal is taking or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action or withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action on a military member for making or preparing to make a protected communication.

Restriction is preventing or attempting to prevent members of the Armed Forces from making or preparing lawful communications to members of Congress and/or an IG.

“All commanders possess inherent authority to investigate matters or incidents under their jurisdiction unless preempted by a higher command authority,” said Sliney.

He then explained that while CDIs occur outside the IG system, if the CDI stems from an IG complaint, the office of the IG still has oversight of the investigation.

“If an IG investigation results in a substantiated finding, any disciplinary action that is needed is done through the subject’s chain of command,” said Sliney. “It will, however, be reported to the IG and included in the IG case management file before the case is closed.”

Sliney went on to say that complaints, which accuse a Wing commander of wrong doing, are referred to a higher level IG office and a higher level of command authority. If the complainant does not agree with the result of an investigation or another decision regarding an IG complaint, he or she may be able to appeal to the next higher level IG Office.

For questions or clarification, the 144th FW Inspector General’s office can be contacted at [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.06.2019
• Date Posted: 11.20.2019 18:31
• Story ID: 352705
• Location: CA, US