Internal Affairs has traditionally been tasked with investigating integrity-related allegations, significant acts of misconduct, and violations of policy or law. Over the tenure of our last three Directors, the lines have blurred as to what falls under Internal Affairs jurisdiction and how “thoroughly” matters are investigated.
It is an unfortunate fact that ATF management officials will not hesitate to activate an IA inquisition for the sole purpose of intimidating an employee who has “stepped-out-of-line” by lodging a complaint, no matter how legitimate. Management also employs IA as a weapon to discredit employees that have filed EEOC or OSC complaints, internal grievances, etc. Such investigations repeatedly ignore, gloss over or distort the true facts if they in any way implicate senior managers in wrongdoing or violations of policy.
It is critical that you know your rights to request clarification as to alleged integrity issues or "misconduct" you are being accused of. There is no appeal process to challenge an Internal Affairs Report of Investigation absent your own written version of what you said. Always take your detailed notes during any interviews with Internal Affairs, or better yet, audiotape the interviews. At the end of the interrogation, request to review their notes and correct any inaccuracies or discrepancies. Otherwise, it will be your (“discredited”) word against their (“gospel”) written report.
Remember, the IA Investigators may well have an agenda that has nothing to do finding out the truth or determining whether you actually did something “wrong”.
