AR 20-1 — Inspector General Activities And Procedures
AR 20-1 governs the mission, duties, standards, and requirements of The Inspector General and inspectors general throughout the Army.
- Publication number: AR 20-1
- Title: INSPECTOR GENERAL ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES
- Date: 03/23/2020
- Proponent: TIG
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 20-1 on armypubs.army.mil
Related publications
- ARMY DIR 2024-08 (armypubs)
AR 20-1 addresses inspections, assistance, investigations, teaching and training, personnel, records, confidentiality, and operations in unified and joint environments. It establishes requirements for handling complaints, conducting inquiries, protecting information, and releasing records.
Applies to: It also prescribes duties, missions, standards, and requirements for inspectors general (IGs) throughout the Army.
Topics covered
- Inspector general inspections
- Inspector general assistance
- Inspector general investigations
- Inspector general personnel
- Inspector general records
- Confidentiality
- Intelligence oversight inspections
- Cybersecurity inspections
Questions and answers
What is the primary purpose of an inspector general investigation?
The primary purpose of IG investigations and investigative inquiries is to resolve allegations of impropriety efficiently and effectively by gathering evidence, evaluating the credibility of that evidence, analyzing that evidence in the context of identified standards, and packaging that analysis and subsequent conclusion in a well-written report.
Who can authorize an inspector general investigation?
Only the directing authority can authorize IG investigations using a written and signed directive.
What training is required for temporary assistant inspectors general?
Training programs for temporary assistant IGs do not require school approval but must include, at a minimum, the basic IG concept and system, the IG tenet of confidentiality, and the restrictions and limitations placed upon the use of IG records. (paragraph 3-9)
What does the Army IG records and information release program balance?
The mission of the Army IG records and information release program is to balance the confidentiality of those seeking assistance from, testifying to, and providing information to the IG with the law, with the needs of the Army, and with due process concerns. (paragraph 1-12)
When can an inspector general provide whistleblower reprisal information directly to DODIG Military Reprisal Investigations?
An IG may provide information relating to complaints of whistleblower reprisal referral directly to DODIG Military Reprisal Investigations upon request without TIG or DAIGs Records-Release Office approval. (paragraph 1)