MAY 15 2002
COMDTINST 5520.5E
11. CGIS RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Initiation of Investigations. The CGIS Regional SAC is the approving authority for the
initiation of any CGIS investigative activity within his or her assigned Area of Responsibility.
Incidents requiring CGIS notification shall be reported to the nearest CGIS office (refer to
Enclosure (1)). The CGIS office taking the initial report is responsible for advising the CGIS
Regional SAC as soon as practical. The Regional SAC may decline a request for investigative
assistance if, for example, CGIS investigative resources are unavailable, or if the incident is an
offense requiring specialized criminal investigative techniques. However, Regional SACs must
submit within 24-hours in writing to Director, CGIS, any declinations and detailed reasons as to
why a request for investigative assistance was declined. Director, CGIS, may determine, based
on the needs of the Service, that CGIS investigation is appropriate or necessary and direct an
investigation previously declined by a Regional SAC be conducted.
b. Preliminary Inquiries. On occasion, a CGIS office may receive allegations of criminal activity
or conduct that are vague or incomplete. In those instances, the Regional SAC may authorize
the initiation of a Preliminary Inquiry by CGIS. Preliminary Inquiries are limited in scope and
are directed at obtaining only enough information to determine whether continued CGIS
involvement is necessary. If the results of a Preliminary Inquiry warrant formal CGIS
investigation, the Regional SAC shall advise the appropriate Coast Guard command. If the
commanding officer does not want to have the matter investigated by CGIS, the matter may be
referred to higher command and CGIS authority for review and a determination as to whether an
investigation should be conducted by CGIS.
c. Command and Legal Briefs. In accordance with reference (b), the CGIS office responsible for
conducting an investigation is required to keep the appropriate command and legal office
apprised of the status of the investigation on a regular basis by providing verbal briefings. CGIS
must also confer with the appropriate legal office and District Commander in those
investigations that could potentially be referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office in order to ensure
that the interests of the Coast Guard are adequately addressed.
12. INVESTIGATIVE ASSISTANCE TO DEFENSE COUNSEL. CGIS may provide investigative
assistance to defense counsel in accordance with the Military Justice Manual, COMDTINST
M5810.1(series) and reference (b).
13. DIRECTION AND DISCLOSURE.
a. Once a CGIS investigation is initiated, an investigation shall be controlled by CGIS and brought
to a logical conclusion. A CGIS investigation may not be prematurely terminated except when
authorized in writing by Director, CGIS.
b. Once an investigation is completed by CGIS, a copy of the Report of Investigation (ROI) shall
be provided to the requesting authority and/or command as well as the appropriate legal office
for review and appropriate disciplinary, administrative and/or remedial action. Unlike
Administrative Investigations, CGIS reports will not contain any formal opinions or
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