Inspector General Specialty Track

[Hardshell Clam]

"Anyone may be appointed an IG below the Wing Level, the only educational requirement is the online Inspector General Basic Course, which must be completed prior to performing IG duties, but not prior to appointment."

Actually as wing controls the IG program, anyone can take the course but wing appoints Assistant IG's to do IG work and they control the assignments. You make it sound like you can take the course and start" inspecting"

"There is no OJT requirement specified for any level of IG appointment."

So, you can just bypass the service training as described in the Inspector General Specialty Track Study Guide?

Aditonally, IGs cannot just start investigating after taking the course. For this to happen, they must be appointed an "investigation officer" and this is done at wing level or higher. The Wing C.O. and or the I.G. decides who will do the investigating.

It has been my experience that the inspections are done by assistant IGs from the squadrons and investigations are done by IG staff that are at wing level, or wing appoints an investigating officer who best fills the bill.

More often then not the investigator has specialised skills such as an accountant for fraud investigations or a police detective for his/her criminal investigation skills. A member who is an insurance salesman and has taken the basic course cannot expect to be assigned a complex investigation as this is an unrealistic expection.

[Eclipse]

More often then not Rarely does the investigator haves specialised skills such as an accountant for fraud investigations or a police detective for his/her criminal investigation skills. A member who is an insurance salesman and has taken the basic course could very well becannot expect to be assigned a complex investigation as this is an unrealistic expection standard practice.

I fixed that for you.

The other information is already in this thread and in 123-1. No point in being redundant.

[JC004]

"Anyone may be appointed an IG below the Wing Level, the only educational requirement is the online Inspector General Basic Course, which must be completed prior to performing IG duties, but not prior to appointment."

Actually as wing controls the IG program, anyone can take the course but wing appoints Assistant IG's to do IG work and they control the assignments. You make it sound like you can take the course and start" inspecting"

"There is no OJT requirement specified for any level of IG appointment."

So, you can just bypass the service training as described in the Inspector General Specialty Track Study Guide?

Aditonally, IGs cannot just start investigating after taking the course. For this to happen, they must be appointed an "investigation officer" and this is done at wing level or higher. The Wing C.O. and or the I.G. decides who will do the investigating.

It has been my experience that the inspections are done by assistant IGs from the squadrons and investigations are done by IG staff that are at wing level, or wing appoints an investigating officer who best fills the bill.

More often then not the investigator has specialised skills such as an accountant for fraud investigations or a police detective for his/her criminal investigation skills. A member who is an insurance salesman and has taken the basic course cannot expect to be assigned a complex investigation as this is an unrealistic expection.

We have a quote feature for this.

[Hardshell Clam]

"I fixed that for you".

No, you just demonstarted yet again what your about.

[arajca]

"I fixed that for you".

No, you just demonstarted yet again what your about.

What Eclipse did was inject the reality for the vast majority of CAP 'investigations' into your narrow reality. While what you posted would be the ideal, it doesn't happen very often. More often than not, Eclipse's "fix" is what really happens.

[Hardshell Clam]

My reality is not narrow by any means, however I do understand that there is a shortage of qualified staff in all speciality fields.

It remains the goal of the overall CAP IG program to perform in accordance with the core values and while this is a goal that can be reached, it is a long road for a lot of wings.

It also remains inappropriate for Eclipse to "fix" anything in other's posts, but rather post his opinion(s) without mocking, sarcastic or rude remarks.

[arajca]

It remains the goal of the overall CAP IG program to perform in accordance with the core values and while this is a goal that can be reached, it is a long road for a lot of wings.

So, in most wings, the IGs do not perform in accordance with the core values? I'm not aware that being an expert in whatever field you're investigating is one of the core values.
Let's see:
Integrity
Volunteer Service
Excellence
Respect

I'm not seeing "expert" anywhere in there.

[Hardshell Clam]

"I'm not seeing "expert" anywhere in there."

And you are snipping at my post and using it out of context.

[SarDragon]

It didn't appear that the rest of the post was pertinent to the reply.

And, FWIW, your refusal to use the provided quote feature is really annoying. If you expect people to read your posts, at least take the time to make them readable.

[Ed Bos]

No one is just appointed an "Inspector General" it takes a while of training and OJT to be able to do inspections and no one in my wing is doing investigations that is not a master or a current/former public sector detective.

I apologize if I'm misunderstanding the point of this discussion, but I have met individuals who are "just appointed" as IGs, and despite some (sometimes very little) training in the IG track these CAP Officers are investigating programs during SUIs without understanding the most basic principles of the programs they're investigating.

If I understand correctly, this thread started with the suggestion that IG's meet a level of mastery in one of the mission areas, or support areas before they're responsible for ensuring these programs are effective and compliant.

I think the point Eclipse was making here:

Anyone may be appointed an IG below the Wing Level, the only educational requirement is the online Inspector General Basic Course, which must be completed prior to performing IG duties, but not prior to appointment.

There is no OJT requirement specified for any level of IG appointment.

Having taken the IGBC, I can tell you that it is simply a reiteration of process and procedure as detailed in 123-1 and related docs.

is that the lack of mandating that IG appointments be restricted to seasoned CAP members hurts us all.

[DrJbdm]

  The IG program needs to be broken down into two separate but equal groups, you need IG's whose main focus and area of responsibility is to conduct SUI's. Allow them and train them to become the technical area experts.

  You also need IG's who are in the Investigation side of the house, and those IG's should be required to have special qualifications such as law degrees, current Law Enforcement Investigators / Senior Police Officers, or civilian investigators with a State or Federal agency, ie: Insurance Investigators, Child Abuse Investigators, State IG Investigators, ect. No, being a PI does not count. You need specific skills in conducting interviews, asking the right questions and observing deception. CAP Investigations are not criminal in nature, they are administrative. But you need Investigators that can correctly identify when you have a criminal investigation and when you have a civil or administrative investigation. If it turns criminal, we have to know how to handle it correctly so that we do not damage the case before it gets handed off to the correct investigating agency.

  However, Investigations are a very small part of the overall CAP IG program, Compliance Inspections are the main focus of the IG program, and that needs to be really beefed up. To be able to do a robust inspection, you need to know what you are looking for, not just going thru a check list.

  Our IG training programs are lacking in some areas, and are too short in other areas. Don't get me wrong, it is far better than before and they have really improved over the years and will continue to improve. We have to have a robust Compliance Inspection Program for the betterment of CAP and in keeping with our CAP core values, it's a must.

  As I said before, our National and Wing IG's are doing a great job, and the IG program is an evolving process and it will continue get better as we continue to strive for perfection. We just need a few tweaks to the program.

[Eclipse]

You also need IG's who are in the Investigation side of the house, and those IG's should be required to have special qualifications such as law degrees, current Law Enforcement Investigators / Senior Police Officers, or civilian investigators with a State or Federal agency, ie: Insurance Investigators, Child Abuse Investigators, State IG Investigators, ect. No, being a PI does not count. You need specific skills in conducting interviews, asking the right questions and observing deception. CAP Investigations are not criminal in nature, they are administrative. But you need Investigators that can correctly identify when you have a criminal investigation and when you have a civil or administrative investigation. If it turns criminal, we have to know how to handle it correctly so that we do not damage the case before it gets handed off to the correct investigating agency.

CAP "Investigations" are simple fact-finding, nothing more, and constitute no legal authority, nor any actual authority within CAP.  IG's ask questions,
make recommendations, and then the commander(s) involved act (or do not).

If you raise the investigators to the legal level, then you need to do the same for those being investigated, and provide them "counsel" in answering the questions.  "Observing Deception?"  This isn't CSI - ask the question, get the answer, CAP, Inc. either believes the answer or it doesn't.  If it doesn't, disciplinary action or termination.  Period.  The second there is a whiff of criminal activity, the IG needs to shut down and turn things over to proper authorities outside CAP.

It should be said that a respective member is under no obligation to even entertain an IG's questions - they risk their membership of course, but that's as far as it goes, and just as with everything in CAP regarding disciplinary action, the interest in "being honest" is generally in direct proportion to how much a member values their membership.  Beyond that it's all academic.

Also, lawyers, police officers, and related disciplines may have a "duty to report" things that takes the entire situation out of a CAP, Inc's hand and blow them well out of proportion.

We don't need professional investigators as IG's.

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

  The IG program needs to be broken down into two separate but equal groups, you need IG's whose main focus and area of responsibility is to conduct SUI's. Allow them and train them to become the technical area experts.

The IG program is in 2 parts both supervised by the Wing IG. Separate training is available for Investigative Officers (IO) and Inspectors. I would not be surprised if in some wings Asst IGs specialize in 1 area or the other.

  You also need IG's who are in the Investigation side of the house, and those IG's should be required to have special qualifications such as law degrees, current Law Enforcement Investigators / Senior Police Officers, or civilian investigators with a State or Federal agency, ie: Insurance Investigators, Child Abuse Investigators, State IG Investigators, ect. No, being a PI does not count. You need specific skills in conducting interviews, asking the right questions and observing deception. CAP Investigations are not criminal in nature, they are administrative. But you need Investigators that can correctly identify when you have a criminal investigation and when you have a civil or administrative investigation. If it turns criminal, we have to know how to handle it correctly so that we do not damage the case before it gets handed off to the correct investigating agency.

I mentioned earlier in this thread that I'd be thrilled to have an experienced investigator to serve as an IO. I was appointed IG based on my knowledge of CAP regs and varied experience in CAP. As outlined in our regs I would determine what was alleged in a complaint (Who did what to whom on what date and in violation of what CAP regulation or policy?)  and if warranted recommend to my commander to appoint this experienced person as IO. As I'm rebuilding a virtually abandoned IG program, right now I'd be doing the investigations in close coordination with the Legal Officer. 

  However, Investigations are a very small part of the overall CAP IG program, Compliance Inspections are the main focus of the IG program, and that needs to be really beefed up. To be able to do a robust inspection, you need to know what you are looking for, not just going thru a check list.

Investigations are a small part of the Complaint side of the IG program. I've been told < 5% of complaints go to formal investigation. Personality conflicts are not investigated, as there has to be a violation of a regulation or policy. Others are misunderstandings that can be resolved at lower levels, sometimes with the IG acting as facilitator.

The current program for inspections requires training focusing on consistent techniques on evaluating units and reporting the results. This course and being deemed highly qualified in specific areas by the IG and CC is the standard to be on a inspection team. So we take volunteer members with good experience in 1 or more program areas and train on the techniques to inspect and report. The check list serves as a standard and I'll guess is updated by the national IG team to add focus on areas found lacking in the last few cycles.

  Our IG training programs are lacking in some areas, and are too short in other areas. Don't get me wrong, it is far better than before and they have really improved over the years and will continue to improve. We have to have a robust Compliance Inspection Program for the betterment of CAP and in keeping with our CAP core values, it's a must.

  As I said before, our National and Wing IG's are doing a great job, and the IG program is an evolving process and it will continue get better as we continue to strive for perfection. We just need a few tweaks to the program.

Like every other area in CAP the program is supposed to be a lot of OJT. I my case I inherited an abandoned program with an almost empty file cabinet. Part of my plan is to recruit an Asst IG so that I can move on later and leave a proper replacement. For now I'll lean on my Legal Officer, Region IG and some very experienced IG's in nearby wings. 

[Hardshell Clam]

FYI:

IG Definitions:

1.Abuse is the intentional, wrongful, or improper use of CAP resources such as the misuse of rank, position, or authority that causes the loss or misuse of resources such as tools, vehicles, computers, copy machines, etc.
2.Complainant means one who identifies a possible violation of a CAP directive, violation of law or serious misconduct, and brings it to the attention of the inspector general or a person in a position of leadership or authority.
3.Complaint means a written document listing facts and circumstances specifically alleging a violation of a CAP directive , a violation of law, or misconduct.
4.Fraud is any intentional deception (including attempts and conspiracies to effect such deception) for the purpose of: inducing CAP action, inaction or reliance on that deception; depriving CAP of something of value; securing from CAP a benefit, privilege, or consideration to which the party is not entitled.  Such practices include, but are not limited to:  offer of payment, acceptance of bribes or gratuities; making false statements, submission of false claims, use of false weights or measures, evasion or corruption of inspectors and other officials, deceit by suppression of the truth or misrepresentation of a material fact, adulteration or substitution of materials, falsification of records and books of account, arrangements for secret profits, kickbacks, or commissions, and conspiracy to use any of these devices.
5.Frivolous Complaint is the filing of trivial, superficial, and senseless complaints that may tend to subvert, obscure, or impede leadership authority, or a complaint intended for retaliation against the corporation, general membership, or a specific member for the purpose of harassment, abuse, or adversely impacting morale.
6.Hostile Environment means any threatening environment or atmosphere including, but not limited to, emotional and physical abuse, hazing, stalking, and offensive language..
7.Investigation is an authorized, systematic, and detailed examination to uncover facts and determine the truth and validity of a complaint.
8.Preliminary Investigation means the gathering of information or facts to determine whether the merits of an allegation constitute a complaint under this regulation.
9.Priority Investigation means an investigation directly involving cadet protection issues, safety, loss of life, or CAP tangible assets.  These investigations are critical and will take precedence over all other pending investigations.
10.Waste is the extravagant, careless, or needless expenditure of CAP funds or consumption of CAP property that results from deficient practices, system controls, or decisions.
11.Conclusion classifications:
a.SUSTAINED -- an allegation is "sustained" when the inquiry reveals "a preponderance of evidence" in support of the allegation.
b.NOT SUSTAINED -- The inquiry determined that the act complained of did not occur, was justified according to applicable directives, or that there was not a preponderance of evidence to support the allegation.

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

Are you just trying to up your post count?

[SarDragon]

Meh - meaningless effort, anyway.

[Hardshell Clam]

Banal remarks.

[Major Lord]

Are you just trying to up your post count?

Do we get "Rewards Miles" or something? Or just the sheer joy of being the most prolific, opinionated person on CapTalk? If so, the competition is pretty stiff.......

As a Private Investigator, or an investigator of any type, you begin to realize at some point that you are never completely free of bias or Agenda. If you have any self-awareness at all, you eventually realize that any type of professional investigator ( with the possible exception of some scientific researchers) you realize that you are not merely an observer and recorder of facts; you become, in some sense, an advocate. Do you believe the police officer arresting you ( yes, you! You know who you are!) is an impartial collector of facts? His self image demands ( as well it should) that he remain an advocate for the public good, but maintain enough professionally dispassionate temperament to be effective, and avoid career and self destruction, and gross miscarriages of justice. Frankly, very few men have the capability and integrity to manage this.  Even an IG needs some skills in deception detection to help him narrow or direct the scope of his investigation. In doing so, he is wittingly or unwittingly steering the outcome. In my view, an I.G should be the equivalent of an Auditor, and let the facts guide him where they may, using his knowledge, skill set, and intuition or any other tool he may (lawfully) have available. When he has completed his task, he hands his body of work to the next echelon, who may or may not act according to their own judgement, biases, duplicity, maliciousness, or judicial temperament. We hope for the best, and settle for something short, but that's life.


Major Lord

[Eclipse]

Are you just trying to up your post count?

Do we get "Rewards Miles" or something? Or just the sheer joy of being the most prolific, opinionated person on CapTalk? If so, the competition is pretty stiff.......

Yeah, seriously...HEY!

[SAR-EMT1]

Should be Major or above to even start.

Master in at least one other track, preferably one in the core missions (AE, CP, ES).

We don't need newb IG's, all they do is cause problems.

We don't need IG's, all they do is cause problems.


We don't need newb's, all they do is cause problems.

I kidd I kidd...