The Department of
Environmental Protection's Internal Investigations Section receives
a wide variety of complaints of alleged misconduct for potential investigations. The
complaints may be broad in nature requiring the review of Departmental practices,
direction, management, or may concern only one individual's activities. Complaints
may originate from the Office of the Chief Inspector General (Whistle-blower
complaints), the Comptroller's "Get Lean" hotline, individual Divisions within
the Department, or from members of the general public. Complaints are received by
several means: an Internal Inquiry submitted by Departmental management or staff; a
private citizen's letter of complaint; referrals from other Inspectors General; and
information developed by an OIG investigator.
Once a complaint is received, a
determination is made regarding its status as either criminal or administrative in nature.
In addition, a determination is made as to the entity most suitable to conduct the
investigation. Complaints requiring criminal or administrative investigations of a
serious nature are conducted by members of the OIG Internal Investigations Section
(IIS).
Although some cases are assigned to the Districts or Divisions for investigation,
all cases, whether conducted by IIS or referred elsewhere for review, are monitored and
tracked by IIS.
If the complaint is investigated by
IIS, it
is assigned to a Law Enforcement Captain whose task it is to examine the allegations
and determine if there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations. Criminal
cases are reviewed by the appropriate judicial district for prosecutorial merit.
Once the investigation is completed, a case summary report recommending closure is made to
the appropriate Division or District Director for review. It is the Director's
responsibility to take the necessary disciplinary action deemed appropriate by
policy. The OIG does not participate in recommending disciplinary
action.
Investigation Links:
