3703.1 A preliminary investigation shall entail an inquiry by the Director to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred.

3703.2 Preliminary investigations may be initiated by any one (1) of the following means:

1. (a) Referral by the Board of Elections;
2. (b) Complaint by any employee or resident of the District of Columbia; or
3. (c) Complaint generated by the OCF.

3703.3 A preliminary investigation conducted by OCF shall be strictly investigatory, non-adversarial, and non-adjudicatory.

3703.4 Within thirty (30) days of initiation of a preliminary investigation, the Director shall determine whether a full investigation is necessary.

3703.5 Within ten (10) days after initiation of a preliminary investigation, the Director shall notify, in writing, the person (respondent) who is the subject of the preliminary investigation.

3703.6 Notification to the respondent shall consist of the following:

1. (a) A copy of the complaint;
2. (b) Explanation of the existence of the investigation and the general nature of the alleged violation; and
3. (c) An offer to the subject affording the opportunity to respond to the allegation(s).

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 45 DCR 3161, 3204-05 (May 22, 1998); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 60 DCR 1402 (February 8, 2013); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 60 DCR 11864 (August 16, 2013).