Inspector General: Resolve complaints at lowest level first Published Sept. 22, 2006 By Senior Airman Cassandra Locke Editor POPE AFB, N.C. -- Have you ever used your chain of command on a serious concern and felt that it was not handled properly? Pope's Inspector General Complaints Program is a leadership tool that indicates where command involvement is needed to correct systematic, programmatic, or procedural issues. Lt. Col. Lisa Markgraf and Master Sgt. David Lawrence, Pope's IG office staff, are here to ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently, as well as resolve problems affecting Pope's mission promptly and objectively. Their mission is to create an atmosphere of trust on Pope that allows issues to be resolved without any retaliation or fear of reprisal. "All problems, issues and concerns should be discussed at the lowest level first," said Sergeant Lawrence. "If problems are not resolved in an appropriate manner and are determined to be a result of reprisal, restriction, or an Improper mental health Referral, we can investigate the issue." Problems brought to the attention of the IG that do not require an IG investigation are either referred to the appropriate agency to help obtain an answer for the complainant, or the complainant is assisted in contacting the appropriate agency to resolve their complaint. IGs are the "eyes and ears" of the commander. They keep the commander informed of potential areas of concern as reflected by trends as well as investigating facts and helping with the resolution of complaints. The IGs also educate and train commanders and members of Pope on their rights and responsibilities in regard to the Air Force IG system; and they help detect and correct Fraud, Waste, and Abuse issues. Personal complaints and FWA disclosures help commanders discover and correct problems that affect the productivity and morale of assigned personnel. Resolving the underlying cause of a complaint may prevent more severe symptoms or costly consequences, such as reduced performance, accidents, poor quality work, poor morale, or loss of resources. "The IG ensures the concerns of the total force and of family members are addressed by finding the facts necessary," said Sergeant Lawrence. The primary charge of the IG is to sustain a credible Air Force IG system by ensuring the existence of responsive complaint investigations, and FWA programs characterized by objectivity, integrity, and impartiality. According to Sergeant Lawrence, administrative inquiries and investigations governed by other policy directives and instructions are not covered under the IG complaint program. "They include commander-directed inquiries and investigations," said Sergeant Lawrence.