Step 1: Determine the Best Method to Address your Complaint
We encourage complainants to first attempt to resolve their issues using the chain of command. We also refer complainants to other processes established by the Department of the Defense or the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
First, contact your chain of command to solve the problem. Start at the lowest possible level and use command channels before elevating them to the next higher level.
Discuss your problem with members in your chain of command such as the legal staff, union, representative, chaplain, human resource personnel, equal opportunity advisor, your immediate supervisor, and Commanding Officer. Our experience has shown, with few exceptions, that commands are resposive to complainant's issues.
Military members may want to bring the issuse to the attention of:
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His/Her immediate or second level supervisor
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Senior Enlisted Advisor
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Commanding Officer (see "Request Mast")
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Civilian personnel may want to bring the issuse of attention of:
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His/Her immediate or 2nd level supervisor
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Commanding Officer
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Local Human Resource Office
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Human Resouce Service Center, etc.
If you are unable to resolve the matter using the chain of command, you may consider filing a formal grievance. These grievance procedures differ depending on your employment status.
Military members may consider filing one of the following grievances:
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Complaint of Wrongs Against the Commanding Officer (Article 138)
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Complaint of Wrongs Against a Superior Outside your chain of Command (Article 1150)
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Equal Opportunity (EO) complaint, if you think you have been sexually harrassed or discrimated against.
Who may use the Hotline?
Anyone may file a hotline complaint.
What issues should you report to the Hotline?
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The IG investigates matters involving:
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Drill Instructor/Recruiter Misconduct
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Abuse of Title or Position
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Bribes/Kickbacks/Acceptance of Gratuities
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Conflicts of Interest
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Ethics Violations
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False Official Statements/Claims
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Fraud
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Gifts (Improper receipt of giving)
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Improper Referral of Mental Health Evaluations
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Mismanagement/Organization Oversight (Significant Cases)
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Misuse of Official Time, Gov't Property, Position and Public Office
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Political Activates
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Purchase Card Abuse
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Reprisal (Military Whistleblower Protection)
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Safety/Public Health (Substantial/Specific)
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System Problems
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Time and Attendance (Significant Violations)
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Travel Card Abuse
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Travel Fraud (TDY and TAD)
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Waste (Gross)
How do you submit a hotline complaint?
We encourage you to submit the allegation(s) in writing by e-mail, fax, letter, or using the online the complaint form. Our experience has shown that written complaints are more organized, provide more details, and are less emotional. We will evaluate your complaint and request more information, if necessary. Keep in mine, if we conduct an investigation, you will be interviewed and you will be asked to provide additional information and documents at that time.
Do you have to identify yourself?
No. You may request confidentiality or anonymity.
You have two options when you request your identity remain confidential:
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Release your identity to the Depot Inspector with the understanding that it will not be released to the investigator, or
Identify yourself with the understanding that only the Depot Inspector and the investigator will know who you are.
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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.
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If you file your complaint anonymously, we will not know who you are. As such, we will not be able to contact you to request additional information or to give you the results of the investigation. You may consider establishing an e-mail account using an internet service provider to submit an anonymous complaint; however, we will not respond to anonymous complaints submitted in this way since we have no way of verifying who you are.
Does the Depot Inspector take telephone complaints?
We will provide you assistance if you contact us by telephone. If you wish to submit a complaint, we will suggest you submit your complaint and any supporting documentation in writing. Based on experience, we have found this to the best way to serve you. If we conduct an investigation, you will be contacted for an interview.
Is there a time limit to file a complaint?
Generally, you should submit your complaint immediately. No Depot Inspector action is required when a complaint is submitted more than 90 days after the alleged wrong doing occurred. However, we will consider complaints beyond that date if it is within the interest of the United Sates Marine Corps to do so.
What can you expect when you file a hotline complaint?
An investigator will evaluate your complaint and determine if the matter warrants investigation or if we should refer your complaint to another 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.
What does the Depot Inspector expect from someone who makes a complaint to the hotline?
We expect you to provide answers to the questions listed on Step 3. Remember, the more information you provide the IG, the better he/she can assist you. Be prepared to provide supporting evidence.
How do you determine the status of your complaint or obtain a copy of the report?
Contact the office where you submitted your complaint. While the investigation is ongoing, we can only tell you whether the case is open. Once the investigation is closed, the Depot Inspector will send you a letter to inform you that your allegations were substantiated or unsubstantiated.
If you do not agree with the results of the investigation, can you ask for reconsideration?
Yes, If you have new and substantial information to support your complaint, the case may be reconsidered. If, on the other hand, you are merely unhappy because you do not agree with the outcome, the Depot Inspector with not conduct another investigation.