1. Introduction. This section provides procedures and guidance for maintaining investigative files. There are special rules required for maintaining investigative files obtained through the grand jury (see EM section on Criminal Investigations Program). EBSA maintains an electronic database known as the Enforcement Management System to record certain case activity.(1)
  2. Maintaining Investigative Files.
    1. Opening and Retaining Files. Investigators/Auditors must open a case file each time they begin an EBSA investigation. Case files receive a sequential case number. EBSA maintains electronic case files.
    2. Maintaining Investigative Files. All material received during the investigation including, but not limited to, Reports of Interview, statements, documentary evidence, memoranda, and correspondence, will be placed in the electronic case file as soon as possible and always maintained there.
    3. Electronic Information. All electronic material received during the investigation will be uploaded to the electronic case file as soon as possible and maintained there to ensure authentication and prevent alteration.
  3. Use and Maintenance of Case Record Copies. Investigators/Auditors may download electronic copies of records to their local electronic storage, print hard copies from the electronic file, or copy hard copies to use as working copies during the course of the investigation. Each Regional Office (RO) will have a procedure for ensuring secure maintenance of the copied records during the investigation and the appropriate disposal after the copied records are no longer needed.
  4. Case Assignment and Control. Each RO shall have a system for case assignment and control. If the RO maintains an inventory of opened, but unassigned cases, the RO's system shall list the case as assigned to the Group Supervisor, District Supervisor, or RD Designee.
    1. Investigator/Auditor Assignment File. EBSA will maintain a record of case assignments by Investigator/Auditor name with a further breakdown between active and completed assignments.
    2. Investigator/Auditor Assignments. As a case is assigned, the Investigator/Auditor will be advised of the assignment and provided with the case opening documents, as appropriate.

Footnotes

  1. Database instructions are contained in a separate manual.