Current through October 17, 2024
Section 21 AAC 25.010 - Form of complaint(a) Unless requested by the ombudsman, a complaint need not be in writing, except that a complaint alleging misconduct by an agency employee or official must be in writing and signed by the complainant.(b) The ombudsman may request that the complainant provide a written complaint if (1) the ombudsman's resources are insufficient to allow the ombudsman to receive all complaints by telephone or in person; or(2) the ombudsman believes that reducing the complaint to writing will assist the ombudsman in effective evaluation of the complaint.(c) The ombudsman will provide a complaint form, but use of the form is not mandatory.(d) The ombudsman may request that the complainant provide copies of correspondence or other records in the complainant's possession to assist the ombudsman in evaluation of the complaint.(e) The ombudsman may assist the complainant in reducing a complaint to writing. However, the complainant must review and sign the complaint. The complainant may review the written complaint by reading it or having it read aloud, or by any other means that enables the complainant to understand the written complaint.(f) If the complainant has difficulty communicating the complaint due to a disability or a language barrier, the ombudsman shall make reasonable accommodations to facilitate communication with the complainant, including the use of a professional interpreter.(g) For purposes of this section, "misconduct" means conduct that could be prosecuted as a crime; that violates the Executive Branch Ethics Act, AS 39.52, or an equivalent ethics code applicable to the officer or employee; or that constitutes willflil disregard for the officer's or employee's responsibilities;Eff. 6/7/2015, Register 214, July 2015