What happens if the complainant doesn sign a release before an investigation?
Division 21-203.32 states that the complainant must be informed that the information will be sent to the state and federal agencies, but only personnel involved with the processing of the discrimination complaint will have access to it. Because the discrimination investigation report is completed at the county level, that report and all its attendant documents (correspondence, NOAs, completed forms, etc.) must be sent to CRB for review, the complainant must give their consent for that information to be shared. The complaint report will also be shared with the appropriate federal oversight agency, as well. The consent form allows the complainant to give or deny consent. If consent is denied, then the report cannot be submitted to CRB. Because not giving the report to CRB would be a violation of Division 21-203 requirements, the county will not be able to continue with the investigation and the complaint is effectively closed.
