Complaint Definitions

Civil Air Patrol
Inspector General

Complaint Definitions
 

    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:
    1. SUSTAINED -- an allegation is “sustained” when the inquiry reveals “a preponderance of evidence” in support of the allegation.
    2. 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.

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