42-9.4-6. Investigative procedures.

(b) The inspector general shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an

employee, contractor, or private citizen who requests confidentiality, disclose the identity of that

individual, without the written consent of the individual, unless the inspector general determines

such disclosure is necessary and unavoidable during the course of an investigation. In such event,

the individual filing the complaint shall be notified immediately, if possible, of such disclosure

which shall be in accordance with applicable law.

(c) The inspector general shall not investigate complaints from employees that relate to

their employment relationship with the agency, unless the complaint is directly related to fraud,

waste, abuse, or mismanagement or abuse of governmental resources that harms the public interest.

(d) The inspector general may decline to investigate a complaint as provided by the rules

and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter. If the inspector general declines to investigate a

complaint, he or she shall notify the complainant of the decision not to investigate and the basis for

that determination.

(f) The inspector general may not levy a fee for the submission or investigation of a

complaint.

(g) The inspector general shall remain neutral and impartial and may not act as an advocate

for the complainant or for the agency.

(h) The inspector general shall adhere to professional standards for initiating and

conducting investigations, such as the Principles and Standards for Offices of Inspector General

promulgated by the Association of Inspectors General. Additionally, the office of inspector general

shall be a member of the Association of Inspectors General and participate in the peer review

program of the association as part of the established quality control procedures adopted by the

office.