Section 220.07. Investigations.

 

(1)   Conduct of investigation. Except as provided under sub. (2) , the department shall investigate all complaints that satisfy the review under s. DWD 220.05 (1) . In conducting investigations under this chapter, the department may seek the cooperation of all persons to provide requested materials to the department; to obtain access to premises, records, documents, individuals, and other possible sources of information; to examine, record, and copy necessary materials; and to take statements of persons reasonably necessary for the furtherance of the investigation. The department may subpoena persons or documents for the purpose of the investigation. Subpoenas may be enforced pursuant to s. 885.11 , Stats.

(2)   Dismissal of complaint prior to completion of investigation.

(a) The department may dismiss a complaint prior to completion of an investigation under the following circumstances:

1. The complainant has failed to respond to correspondence from the department concerning the complaint within 20 days after the correspondence was sent by certified mail to the last known address of the person filing the complaint, in accordance with the provisions of s. 106.50 (6) (a) 6. , Stats.

2. The allegations in the complaint have been previously dismissed by the department or by a state or federal court.

(b) A complainant may appeal from an order dismissing a complaint under this subsection by filing a written appeal with the department. The appeal shall be filed within 20 days of the date of the order and shall state specifically the grounds upon which it is based. If a timely appeal is filed, the department shall serve a copy of the appeal upon all other parties. The matter shall be referred to the hearing section of the division for review by an administrative law judge. The administrative law judge shall issue a decision which shall either affirm, reverse, modify, or set aside the dismissal of the complaint. The decision of the administrative law judge shall be served upon the parties. If the decision reverses or sets aside the dismissal, the complaint shall be remanded for further investigation. If the decision affirms the preliminary determination, the complainant may seek judicial review if it is a final decision and order as defined in s. DWD 220.24 .

History: Cr. Register, September, 1994, No. 465 , eff. 10-1-94; CR 03-092 : rn. to be (1) and am., cr. (2) Register March 2004 No. 579 , eff. 4-1-04.