Complaints are handled through a four-step process:
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Screening
Each complaint is screened by a staff screening committee to determine how the IRP can best serve the complainant within the boundaries of its authority and powers. Complaints are classified as follows:
1. "A" - Complaint against a Miami-Dade County agency, employee, instrumentality or policy that requires a thorough investigation. Staff refers the complaint to the Director of the involved County Department for investigation and written response.
2. "B" - Complaint against a Miami-Dade County agency, employee, instrumentality or policy which does not warrant a full investigation. Staff attempts to resolve the problem informally through communication and mediation with the involved County Department.
3. “MU” - Complaint against one of the municipalities in Miami-Dade County. Serious complaints are referred to the involved municipal department for investigation.
4. "NJ" - No jurisdiction. Complaint not against Miami-Dade agency or employee, eligible municipality or instrumentality. Staff may refer the complaint to the agency having jurisdiction of the matter, if appropriate.
5. “PC" - Personnel complaint filed by a Miami-Dade employee against his/her supervisor(s) or co-worker(s) or employing Department. The Panel usually does not consider personnel complaints. If there appears to be an issue of substantial inequity or unfairness, the Executive Director may present the complaint to the Panel and request a waiver of the rule that prevents consideration of personnel complaints.
6. "M" - Miscellaneous. Requests for information, incomplete complaint data, counseling.
7. “W” – Whistleblower. Complaint regarding persons who have knowledge of unlawful activity, misfeasance or malfeasance by the County or independent contractors and report such knowledge to the appropriate authorities for investigation and corrective action.
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Department Response
The involved department provides Panel staff with a copy of its complete investigative file. Staff reads the file and provides the complaint with a copy. If the complaint is satisfied with the Department’s investigation, the complaint may be concluded in one of the Panel’s public hearings.
If the complainant or staff is not satisfied with the Department’s investigation, the complaint is referred to a committee for mediation.
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Mediated Fact-finding and Dispute-Resolution Committee Meeting
The committee is comprised of one or more Panel members, the Executive Director and a Conflict Resolution Specialist. Invitations to participate in the meeting are extended to the complainant, representatives from the involved Department and the accused employee. The participating parties may bring others to the meetings. These informal meetings are held around a table and are open to the public. The committee listens to all parties and makes findings and recommendation for consideration by the nine-member Panel.
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Public Hearing / Panel Meeting
Staff prepares a report on each complaint, summarizing the complaint and the accused department’s response, along with staff or committee recommendations for Panel action. The full nine-member Panel meets once a month to publicly review specific complaints. The complainant, accused employees and representatives from the involved department are always invited to participate in the reviews. The Panel has the final word on the recommendations, which are then sent to the involved Department Director, County Manager, Commissioners and the Executive Mayor.
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