Question: Who may use the Hotline?

Answer: Anyone may file a hotline complaint.

Question: What issues should you report to the Hotline?

Answer: The Navy Inspector General Website provides information on How to Resolve a Complaint and which includes issues that fall under Inspector General purview and areas that do not fall under the purview of the IG (including referral information to assist you in determining the best method to address your issue), http://www.secnav.navy.mil/ig/Pages/Complaints.aspx.

We suggest you review the list before filing a complaint. We investigate matters involving the following:

• Abuse of Title or Position
• Bribes/Kickbacks/Acceptance of Gratuities
• Conflicts of Interest
• Ethics Violations
• False Official Statements/Claims
• Fraud
• Gifts (Improper receipt or giving)
• Improper Referral for Mental Health Evaluations
• Mismanagement/Organization Oversight (Significant Cases)
• Misuse of Official Time, Government Property, Position and Public Office
• Political Activities
• Purchase Card Abuse
• Reprisal (Military Whistleblower Protection)
• Safety/Public Health (Substantial/Specific)
• Systemic Problems
• Time and Attendance (Significant Violations)
• Travel Card Abuse
• Waste (Gross)

Note: We reserve the right to decline to investigate any matter brought to our attention.

Question: How do you submit a hotline complaint?

Answer: We encourage you to submit the allegation(s) in writing by e-mail, fax, letter, telephone or using the online complaint form. Our experience has shown that written complaints are more organized, provide more details, and are less emotional.

Question: Do you have to identify yourself?

Answer: You may remain anonymous, but we will not be able to contact you for more information. You may request confidentiality, and the IG will make every effort to prevent disclosure of your identity, but we cannot guarantee confidentiality.

Question: What can you expect when you file a hotline complaint?

Answer:

• An investigator will evaluate your complaint and determine if the matter warrants investigation or if we should refer your complaint to other authorities or the command for a response.
• We will send a confirmation letter to let you know what action was taken on your complaint if you provide your name and address. We are unable to notify anonymous complainants of the results of an investigation if we do not have an e-mail address.
• Don't expect instant action on your request. Be patient.

Question: Is there a time limit to file a complaint?

Answer: Generally, you should submit your complaint within 90 days of the date the alleged wrongdoing occurred. However, we will consider complaints over 90 days old if you can demonstrate you were unable to meet the time requirement due to extraordinary circumstances or unforeseen delays.

Question: How long does it take to investigate a complaint?

Answer: Most investigations are completed within 90 days, but can take longer depending on the complexity of the case.

You should first attempt to resolve problems using the United States Naval Academy chain of command and other local resources. Seek assistance from the legal staff, union representative, chaplain, human resource personnel, equal opportunity advisor, or your immediate supervisor.