NCJ Number
98016
Date Published
1985
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the Iowa Civil Rights Commission's (ICRC) problem of complaint investigation delays and considers three discrimination complaints that were each assigned to three different investigators and were in 'backlog' status for at least 2 years.
Abstract
The first case alleged employment discrimination on the basis of physical disability; the second, discrimination or unfair practices by a public school district on the basis of national origin. The third case alleged harassment of a black customer by a white tavern owner. None of these cases was ever adequately investigated. The ICRC attributes the delays to its 'lack of staff,' but this is not a sufficient explanation. Rather, the delay problem is attributable to the operation of the ICRC itself; as of March 7, 1985, approximately 285 cases were in backlog status, awaiting assignment for investigation. These delays adversely affect complainants by reducing the likelihood that adequate investigations can be conducted; they are also unfair to those who have had complaints filed against them. For example, these individuals may have to retain legal counsel for the duration of the process. The ICRC staff is not consistently providing citizens with the quality of service to which they are legally entitled. Immediate steps should be taken to maximize the effectiveness of the investigatory process. The number of different individuals handling files during their preparatory stage must be reduced, and supervisory personnel must be responsible for knowing the status of all cases assigned to their section. Appendixes include descriptions of the ICRC complaint process and personnel responsibilities.