For Probationary Pedagogues and all other administrative titles (including Paraprofessionals), the agencies will make a recommendation to the Principal (or other supervisor for non-school based members) about potential discipline.

For Tenured Pedagogues, the report of allegations will be referred to the Administrative Trials Unit which will convene a Technical Assistance Conference (TAC) to make a formal recommendation to the principal whether formal charges (3020a) should be filed against the member. They also may recommend lesser discipline like a letter to the file.

Investigations can be rather lengthy. The internal agencies within the DOE may take as long as 6 months. SCI, the external agency, can take as long as a year. If an investigation goes beyond these time frames, members should discuss with their Chapter Leader the viability in filing a grievance.

No! The investigation is confidential. The Principal is not permitted to interfere with the investigation. If this occurs, members should notify the UFT representative who accompanied you on the interview who will then notify the investigator.

No! Interview time is official business. You must be given time to attend the interview, reasonable travel time and lunch time. The Principal / Supervisor MUST not interfere with the investigation process. If the Principal attempts to interfere with a member’s attendance at an interview, the member should immediately contact their Representative.

Members should notify the UFT immediately upon being contacted by an investigatory agency. The UFT will arrange for an interview with the investigator. Depending on the agency’s availability, this process may take several days. A UFT staff representative will be in contact with you shortly. After the investigation interview there will be several weeks or months before a determination of the allegations is rendered.

Contact the UFT. A Representative will assist you. The UFT will determine who is conducting the investigation and depending upon the agency, will assign either an attorney (for SCI) or a representative (for OSI and OEO) to assist you.

OEO is the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management. OEO is the internal DOE office that investigates allegations of sexual harassment and all forms of discrimination. Members are entitled to be represented by a fellow employee or by a specially trained UFT staff representative at investigations conducted by OEO.

SCI is the Special Commissioner of Investigation. This is the external agency responsible for investigating serious allegations of misconduct. Members are entitled to be represented by an attorney. The UFT has arrangements with a panel of private criminal defense attorneys to represent the member at SCI interviews.

OSI is the Office of Special Investigations. It is the internal office of the Department of Education that monitors various allegations of violations of Chancellor’s Regulations and other allegations of wrongdoing. Members are entitled to be represented by a fellow employee or by a specially trained UFT Staff Representative.

OPI is the Office of Personnel Investigation. It is the unit responsible for clearing employees to work for the Department of Education. OPI monitors active investigations, arrest, and suspensions. OPI is also responsible for fingerprints, background checks and re-assignments.