The Air Force IG Complaints Resolution Program Published May 11, 2011 By Loretta Davis IG Office MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen here often make a decision to approach the IG with a complaint because they think of the IG as someone who is going to resolve their problems for them, but that is not what the IG does. The IG works with the complainant agencies or available resources to resolve the issue. There are times when the resolution may not be the answer a member wants to hear, but the IG ensures the answer is in the best interest of the member and the Air Force. It may surprise you to learn that the IG's Complaints Resolution Program's primary purpose is to get complaints into the most appropriate grievance channel for a resolution that is best for the member and the Air Force. The IG has the responsibility to provide honest and objective complaint resolutions for all concerned. The IG is not part of the office of special investigations, security forces, or equal opportunity. The IG does not provide legal advice nor does the IG work against commanders to help individuals stop commander directed actions. Ideally, Air Force members should try to get their complaints resolved at the lowest possible level using the chain of command. Often, supervisory channels can resolve complaints quickly and effectively. However, this does not always happen and when that is the case, members do have the right to file an IG complaint at any level without going through their supervisory channels. Many members visit the IG because they are not quite sure where else to go. IGs help clarify the issues and determine the appropriate resolution path and appeal avenues. The IG puts the member in contact with the best person/agency to address their concerns, provide information on appeal rights, and provide other grievance channels. The Privacy Act protects all information provided to the IG including names, but information a complainant provides is releasable through submission of a Freedom of Information Act Request. The Air Force Global Strike Command IG Complaints and Inquiries Office is the authority responsible for release of information from Minot AFB IG records. Protection of information is a key goal of the IG Complaints Resolution System. IG personnel must protect the identity of all complainants. To determine the appropriate resolution path for an IG Complaint, the IG performs a complaints clarification and analysis of the issue. This requires detailed information to include evidence of facts and circumstances communicated by the member filing the complaint. At the end of the day, not every IG complaint ends in investigation. Air Force Instruction 90-391 Inspector General Complaints Resolution Table 2.5, lists 43 issues that are not appropriate for the IG Complaints Resolution System. The table also identifies where to refer the complaint. For instance, the IG may refer issues to command channels for resolution. In other situations, the IG may transfer a complaint to outside agencies or to another IG at a different base. However, just because the IG transfers the complaint to another IG, it does not mean the issue warrants an IG investigation. Traditionally, when there is no evidence of a violation, the IG can handle the complaint by assisting members and putting them in touch with the right people. Over 60 percent of IG complaints have been resolved through assists. On rare occasions, the IG will dismiss a complaint if there is just not enough information to clarify the complaint or the issue is so old that the IG will not be able to locate witnesses or evidence associated with the potential wrongdoing. Of all complaints submitted to the IG, about 1 percent of them end in an IG investigation. Nevertheless, the resolution will depend on the complaint. Only the IG has the authority to process and investigate allegations of the big four: reprisal, restricted access, improper mental health referrals, and fraud, waste, and abuse. The Air Force has a myriad of agencies and offices available to help members with their concerns; the IG Complaints Resolution Program is just one of those agencies. Minot AFB IGQ Complaints and Inquiries Offices are located on base at the 300 Summit Drive, Room 276. Contacting IGQ is simple as well, you may call to make an appointment, email us at 5bw.igc@minot.af.mil, or walk-in to speak with one of us. The Installation IG Hotline is DSN 723-4609 or commercial 701-723-4609.