Inspector General

Before you submit a Complaint 

• To prevent duplicative work, the NAVWAR OIG Hotline does not accept complaints for matters where regulations prescribe a different avenue for redress. Determine the most appropriate method of redress via “How to Resolve a Complaint (A-Z).”
• In general, the local chain of command is the most appropriate to address the matter prior to elevating to the next level. 
• If you cannot determine how to address your complaint, NAVWAR IG may provide assistance.
• If you already filed a complaint via another avenue of redress, NAVWAR OIG will not duplicate an ongoing remedy. If needed, contact NAVWAR OIG after that process is complete.

Confidentiality and Privacy 

Consistent with the Inspector General Act 1978, as amended, it is Navy Hotline policy that Hotline Personnel will not disclose the identity of an individual providing a complaint or information to the Navy Hotline unless the individual consents to such disclosure, or the Navy Hotline has determined that such disclosure is otherwise unavoidable in order to address the complaint or information, or in response to a subpoena or judicial (court) order.

You are not required to identify yourself when submitting a Hotline complaint. In addition to filing anonymously (you do not provide any identifying information), you may file confidentially, or you may consent to disclosure of your identity.
 
If you file your complaint anonymously, we will not be able to contact you to request additional information or to give you the open or closed status of your complaint. The Navy Hotline will not provide any updates or responses to you regarding the status of the complaint.  You will not be advised of the outcome of any investigation conducted.
 
If you request confidentiality, we will make every effort to protect your identity from disclosure; however, we cannot guarantee confidentiality since disclosure may be required during the investigation or in the course of corrective action.
 
Complainants alleging allegations of reprisal do not have the option of filing anonymously or confidentially.

Information to Include in a Complaint 

• Who: Service member's or employee's full name, rank/grade, and duty station
• What: Why you believe the activity constitutes misconduct, or is improper, to include the law, rule, or regulation you think was violated
• Where: Location where the wrong doing occurred
• When: Dates and times, if known
• How Much: Estimated dollar loss, if known
• Why and How: Describe why and how you believe the individual committed the offense

Don't Forget to Include

• What you have done to try to resolve the issue
• Whether you have contacted the cognizant chain of command
• What you want the NAVWAR OIG to do

What to Expect After Filing a Complaint 

• If you identify yourself, we will acknowledge receipt.
• After your complaint is analyzed, you will be advised whether an investigation will be conducted or if other action has been taken. 
• If an investigation is conducted, you will be advised of the outcome; that is, whether the allegation was substantiated or not substantiated.  Otherwise, unless you are contacted by one of our investigators, there will be no communication from our office, outside of correspondence which may advise you that your matter has been referred to the cognizant Department of Navy Command or Management Official for appropriate action, where and if applicable.
• Federal regulations prohibit the disclosure of information contained in investigative and law enforcements records even to the individual submitting the allegations (s).
• Once a case is closed, information (the report of investigation) may be requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

How to Submit a Complaint

• Complaints may be submitted via any of the methods provided in the Contact Us section 
• The most expeditious complaint process is via email. 
• Download the FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE HOTLINE FORM  and submit to the appropriate NAVWAR or Navy IG.
   

Disclaimer: We will make every effort to prevent disclosure of your identity, but we cannot guarantee confidentiality.