Complaints Examining Unit (CEU) - CEU receives complaints filed on OSC Form 11 (see “How to File a Complaint” [hyperlink to the button of the same name on the PPP page] for additional information on the process for filing a complaint alleging a prohibited personnel practice). The unit initially analyzes all allegations of prohibited personnel practices (as well as allegations of other activities prohibited by civil service law, rule or regulation).
When necessary, CEU contacts the person requesting OSC action to ensure that CEU clearly understands the nature of and basis for each allegation. It conducts further inquiry to the extent necessary to determine whether the allegation warrants additional investigation.
Persons who have submitted allegations to CEU will receive one or more of the following responses:
OSC asks everyone who seeks an investigation of a possible prohibited personnel practice to select one of three consent statements (Form OSC-49) explaining necessary communications between OSC and the agency involved.
Investigation and Prosecution Division (IPD) - After a thorough initial examination, CEU refers matters indicating a potentially valid claim (under the laws enforced by OSC) to one of four field offices in IPD. The field offices are located in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Texas, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Detroit, Michigan. IPD then conducts investigations to review pertinent records, and to interview complainants and witnesses with knowledge of the matters alleged. Matters not resolved during the investigative phase will undergo legal review and analysis to determine whether IPD inquiry has established a violation of law, rule or regulation, and whether the matter warrants corrective action, disciplinary action, or both. Complainants will continue to receive 60-day status notices while matters are pending in IPD.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Unit - After CEU has completed its examination, OSC offers mediation, as an alternative to investigation, in selected PPP cases. Participation in OSC mediation program is voluntary for both the complainant and the employing agency. If both parties agree to mediate their dispute, OSC assigns a neutral third party – a mediator – to facilitate a discussion between the parties to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to the complaint. For more information on mediation at OSC, click here.