What is the purpose of the Hotline?
The purpose of the Hotline Program is to identify and eliminate fraud, waste, abuse, and inefficiencies in the operation of the Navy. To be effective, the program requires all personnel to be vigilant against the possibility of illegal or improper acts, and to report to the chain of command, or an Inspector General, any improprieties in this regard.
Who may use the Hotline?
Anyone may file a Hotline complaint.
What issues should you report to the Hotline?
The Inspector General investigates matters involving:
- 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, Gov’t 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
- Travel Fraud (TDY and TAD)
- Waste (Gross)
Naval Inspectors General reserve the right to decline to investigate any matter brought to our attention.
How do you submit a Hotline complaint?
We encourage you to submit the allegation(s) in writing by e-mail, letter, or using the online 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 mind, if we conduct an investigation, you will be interviewed and you will be able to provide additional information and documents at that time.
Does the Inspector General take telephone complaints?
Yes, we will provide you with 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.
Do you have to identify yourself?
No. You may request confidentiality or anonymity.
You have two options when you request your identity remain confidential:
- Release your identity to the Inspector General with the understanding that it will not be released to the investigator.
- Identify yourself with the understanding that only the Inspector General and the investigator will know who you are.
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.
If you file a complaint anonymously, we will not know who you are. As such, we will not be able to contact you to request additional information. You may consider establishing an e-mail account using an internet service provider to submit an anonymous complaint.
Is there a time limit to file a complaint?
Hotline complaints may be dismissed if, given the nature of the alleged wrong and the passage of time, it is unlikely sufficient evidence can be gathered to warrant an inquiry.
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 it should be referred 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.
What does the Inspector General expect from someone who makes a complaint to the Hotline?
The Inspector General expects you to provide answers to the questions below. Remember, the more information you provide, the better we can assist you. Be prepared to provide supporting evidence.
- Who: Service member or employee full name, rank/grade, and duty station.
- What: Specific wrongdoing and why you believe it is misconduct (to include law/rule/regulation you think they violated).
- Where: Location where wrongdoing occurred.
- When: Specific dates/times.
- How much: Estimated dollar loss (if applicable).
- Why and How: Describe why and how you believe the individual perpetrated the offense.
- What have you done to try to resolve the issue?
In accordance with SECNAVINST 5370.5B, the use of the Hotline program to file knowingly false complaints is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (2003) and Title 18, Chapter 47, United States Code (Uniform Code of Military Justice). Those suspected of willfully and knowingly filing false complaints are subject to prosecution and/or administrative action.
Do we guarantee we will conduct an investigation?
No. Generally, the Inspector General does not accept a complaint if:
- You have not addressed your issue with the local command.
- You have not used an appropriate complaint process for military and civilian employees such as Board for Correction of Naval Records, Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity, Administrative Grievance Procedure, etc.
- Another investigation is being conducted into the matter.
How long does it take to investigate a complaint?
Most investigations are completed within 90 days but, may take longer depending on the complexity of the case.
Can you withdraw a complaint once you have filed it with the Inspector General?
Complainants may request to withdraw their Hotline complaint. However, if it is determined pursuing the matter is in the best interest of the Department of the Navy, the complaint may be processed for further inquiry.
How can I contact the Hotline?
Before you call or write, if you have not already, please review the section titled “Important Information Before Filing a Hotline Complaint.”
Hotline Telephone:
252-464-7208
Online:
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/imgFbkZJKp
Write:
Commanding Officer
Attn: Inspector General
Fleet Readiness Center East
PSC Box 8021
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0021
Email:
*Note: The senders name appears in the “From:” line on the email to the Inspector General.
What Should Be Reported?
The below listed violation should be reported to the Inspector General’s Hotline:
- Violations of law, rule, or regulation;
- Substantial and specific danger to public health or safety;
- Contract and procurement irregularities:
- Cost/Labor mischarging
- Defective pricing
- Defective parts
- Bid rigging
- Product substitution
- Spare parts overpricing
- Bribery and acceptance of gratuities
- Cases of mismanagement
- Conflicts of interest
- Travel (TDY/TAD) fraud
- Abuse of authority
- Theft and abuse of Government property
- Military Reprisal (Violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act involving service members)
- Violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act involving civilian DoD personnel and non-appropriated fund employees
- Improper referrals of military personnel for mental health evaluations
- Gross waste of funds
DoD appropriated fund employees come under the jurisdiction of the Office of Special Counsel and the Department of Defense Inspector General for investigations of violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act.
When calling or sending in a complaint, please be as specific as possible. Your complaint should provide:
- Service member’s or employee’s full name
- Rank/pay grade
- Duty station
- Specifically what wrongdoing you are reporting
- Specific dates/times of the wrongdoing
- Specific location where the wrongdoing occurred
- How the individual completed the alleged wrongdoing
- Why the individual perpetrated the offense
- Why you believe the alleged activity was misconduct
We encourage you to register complaints and grievances through appropriate management and grievance channels, and submit suggestions for management improvements through the proper DoD Incentive Awards Program. Personnel matters involving requests for individual relief should be handled through the appropriate grievance channels.
What is the purpose of the Hotline?
The purpose of the Hotline Program is to identify and eliminate fraud, waste, abuse, and inefficiencies in the operation of the Navy. To be effective, the program requires all personnel to be vigilant against the possibility of illegal or improper acts, and to report to the chain of command, or an Inspector General, any improprieties in this regard.
Who may use the Hotline?
Anyone may file a Hotline complaint.
What issues should you report to the Hotline?
The Inspector General investigates matters involving:
- 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, Gov’t 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
- Travel Fraud (TDY and TAD)
- Waste (Gross)
Naval Inspectors General reserve the right to decline to investigate any matter brought to our attention.
How do you submit a Hotline complaint?
We encourage you to submit the allegation(s) in writing by e-mail, letter, or using the online 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 mind, if we conduct an investigation, you will be interviewed and you will be able to provide additional information and documents at that time.
Does the Inspector General take telephone complaints?
Yes, we will provide you with 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.
Do you have to identify yourself?
No. You may request confidentiality or anonymity.
You have two options when you request your identity remain confidential:
- Release your identity to the Inspector General with the understanding that it will not be released to the investigator.
- Identify yourself with the understanding that only the Inspector General and the investigator will know who you are.
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.
If you file a complaint anonymously, we will not know who you are. As such, we will not be able to contact you to request additional information. You may consider establishing an e-mail account using an internet service provider to submit an anonymous complaint.
Is there a time limit to file a complaint?
Hotline complaints may be dismissed if, given the nature of the alleged wrong and the passage of time, it is unlikely sufficient evidence can be gathered to warrant an inquiry.
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 it should be referred 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.
What does the Inspector General expect from someone who makes a complaint to the Hotline?
The Inspector General expects you to provide answers to the questions below. Remember, the more information you provide, the better we can assist you. Be prepared to provide supporting evidence.
- Who: Service member or employee full name, rank/grade, and duty station.
- What: Specific wrongdoing and why you believe it is misconduct (to include law/rule/regulation you think they violated).
- Where: Location where wrongdoing occurred.
- When: Specific dates/times.
- How much: Estimated dollar loss (if applicable).
- Why and How: Describe why and how you believe the individual perpetrated the offense.
- What have you done to try to resolve the issue?
In accordance with SECNAVINST 5370.5B, the use of the Hotline program to file knowingly false complaints is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (2003) and Title 18, Chapter 47, United States Code (Uniform Code of Military Justice). Those suspected of willfully and knowingly filing false complaints are subject to prosecution and/or administrative action.
Do we guarantee we will conduct an investigation?
No. Generally, the Inspector General does not accept a complaint if:
- You have not addressed your issue with the local command.
- You have not used an appropriate complaint process for military and civilian employees such as Board for Correction of Naval Records, Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity, Administrative Grievance Procedure, etc.
- Another investigation is being conducted into the matter.
How long does it take to investigate a complaint?
Most investigations are completed within 90 days but, may take longer depending on the complexity of the case.
Can you withdraw a complaint once you have filed it with the Inspector General?
Complainants may request to withdraw their Hotline complaint. However, if it is determined pursuing the matter is in the best interest of the Department of the Navy, the complaint may be processed for further inquiry.
How can I contact the Hotline?
Before you call or write, if you have not already, please review the section titled “Important Information Before Filing a Hotline Complaint.”
Hotline Telephone:
252-464-7208
Online:
https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/imgFbkZJKp
Write:
Commanding Officer
Attn: Inspector General
Fleet Readiness Center East
PSC Box 8021
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0021
Email:
*Note: The senders name appears in the “From:” line on the email to the Inspector General.
What Should Be Reported?
The below listed violation should be reported to the Inspector General’s Hotline:
- Violations of law, rule, or regulation;
- Substantial and specific danger to public health or safety;
- Contract and procurement irregularities:
- Cost/Labor mischarging
- Defective pricing
- Defective parts
- Bid rigging
- Product substitution
- Spare parts overpricing
- Bribery and acceptance of gratuities
- Cases of mismanagement
- Conflicts of interest
- Travel (TDY/TAD) fraud
- Abuse of authority
- Theft and abuse of Government property
- Military Reprisal (Violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act involving service members)
- Violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act involving civilian DoD personnel and non-appropriated fund employees
- Improper referrals of military personnel for mental health evaluations
- Gross waste of funds
DoD appropriated fund employees come under the jurisdiction of the Office of Special Counsel and the Department of Defense Inspector General for investigations of violations of the Whistleblower Protection Act.
When calling or sending in a complaint, please be as specific as possible. Your complaint should provide:
- Service member’s or employee’s full name
- Rank/pay grade
- Duty station
- Specifically what wrongdoing you are reporting
- Specific dates/times of the wrongdoing
- Specific location where the wrongdoing occurred
- How the individual completed the alleged wrongdoing
- Why the individual perpetrated the offense
- Why you believe the alleged activity was misconduct
We encourage you to register complaints and grievances through appropriate management and grievance channels, and submit suggestions for management improvements through the proper DoD Incentive Awards Program. Personnel matters involving requests for individual relief should be handled through the appropriate grievance channels.