Arkansas Wing

The Inspector General program reviews subordinate units for compliance and reports the findings to the commander, receives and investigates complaints, and insures that CAP personnel are using reasonable means to work within the system. IG also oversees the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse prevention program.

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the Civil Air Patrol Inspector General System is, in part, to create an independent and objective system that:

* Resolves problems affecting the Civil Air Patrol mission promptly and objectively.

* Creates an atmosphere of trust in which issues can be objectively and fully resolved without retaliation or the fear of reprisal.

* Ensures the existence of responsive complaint and inspection programs characterized by objectivity, integrity, and impartiality.

* Ensures the concerns of Civil Air Patrol members and the best interests of the Civil Air Patrol are addressed through objective fact-finding.

* Educates Civil Air Patrol members and commanders regarding the privileges of and protection for those contacting an inspector general.

* Ensures inspectors general, inspector general staff members, and investigating officers are trained to conduct thorough, unbiased investigations and inspections based on fair and objective fact-finding.

Specific, detailed guidance on the CAP IG program may be found in CAPR 123-1.

The wing receives assistance from the CAP-USAF State Director's office and the CAP-USAF Reservists assigned there.

Complaints

The Civil Air Patrol Complaints Program is intended to create an environment where complaints, grievances and misunderstandings can be resolved. The Complaint System is a last resort management tool. Every effort should be made to satisfy complaints and grievances at the supervisory or command level where they occur. While the opportunity always exists to elevate issues to the IG and even to Congressional levels, CAP personnel should be aware that allegations are investigated at the level where they occurred. The same person who could or should have originally answered the complaint is usually tasked to do so from a higher level.

If a squadron member has a complaint or grievance or suspects a fraud, waste or abuse problem exists, he/she should bring it to the attention of the unit commander. If the problem directly involves the commander, then take it to the next higher commander (i.e. wing commander). The first person to contact is NOT the IG, a member of congress, the governor or the CAP National Commander. Quite often the perceived problem is just a misunderstanding and can be easily corrected or explained. Perceived problems should be first addressed through the chain of command for resolution.

Allow some time once you have contacted the commander. The commander may only devote two or three evenings per week to the CAP. Remember, he/she is a volunteer too and has many other obligations outside of CAP. If it appears nothing is being done after a reasonable period of time, you may want exercise your rights and responsibilities under the complaints system.

There are exceptions to this. Allegations of sexual harassment or abuse, verbal or written, will be immediately reported by the unit commander to the wing or region commander, who in turn will immediately report it to NHQ CAP/GC. Incidents and complaints regarding alleged discrimination or discriminatory practices will be reported promptly to the wing or region commander, who shall immediately report the incident to CAP Equal Opportunity Officer at NHQ (CAP/EXI). In incidents or complaints regarding an alleged hostile environment, unit commanders will immediately report the allegation to the wing commander, region commander, or inspector general. Once you have decided to contact the IG, you should refer to CAPR 123-2 to determine if your concern or grievance meets the definition of a complaint (see below). If it does, you should follow the steps for “Complaints Submission” outlined in CAPR 123-2 .

Complaint means a written document (not e-mail), signed by a complainant, listing facts and circumstances specifically alleging a violation of a CAP directive, a violation of law, or misconduct. In other words, there are 3 parts to a complaint that must be identified by a complainant: 1. Someone (Who), 2. Did something during CAP activity or execution of CAP duties (What, Where, When), and 3. In violation of some CAP Directive, violation of law, or misconduct (define violation).

All complaints to the Arkansas Wing IG require submission of an IG PERSONAL AND FRAUD, WASTE & ABUSE COMPLAINT REGISTRATION form, CAPF30. The form must be completed, signed and either mailed to the IG, or completed, signed, scanned and e-mailed. The form is available in on the National HQ forms webpage.

Subordinate Unit Inspection Information

Subordinate Unit Inspection Presentation

2009-2010 Arkansas Wing SUI Schedule

Subordinate Unit Inspection Guide

Arkansas Wing Inspector General Program Poster