direct  investigations  into  disclosures  lodged against themselves or those that report directly to them. If more information is needed, a neutral party should carry out the investigation and make suggestions for correction. The following are the chain-of-command steps for properly handling matters of fraud, waste, or mismanagement: 1. Discuss the issue with the person committing the alleged violation so that they will have the first opportunity of correction; if not resolved, then 2. report the facts to the employee’s super- visor; if still not resolved, then 3.  report  the  problem  to  the  next  higher supervisor. THE HOT-LINE REPORTING SYSTEM When a disclosure indicates the issue involves a unit of the command and the commanding officer or key management officials are aware of the problem, the hot-line reporting system should be used. Hot-line disclosures are screened by the NAVINSGEN and directed to the proper activity. This is usually the chain of command where the disclosure originated. The command is responsible to  the  NAVINSGEN  for  making  a  proper investigation and taking appropriate corrective action. The investigation and corrective action must be completed within 60 days, unless the NAVINSGEN allows more time. Confidentiality is also available when using the hot-line reporting system to report fraud, waste, abuse, and mis- management. Give your name and be specific with dates, places, names, and facts. All disclosures, regardless of how major or minor, will be investigated. No lead is too small. The Navy wants you to help in its fight against fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. In fact, incentive awards are given for information that saves the government money and/or its resources. You should have proof to substantiate your report; however, the DON will investigate all disclosures. Some Navy commands have set up their own local hot-line system. All Navy personnel are encouraged to use the Navy hot-line program. Your  official  bulletin  board  should  have  the hot-line  information  posted  on  it.  You  may contact hot line by either telephone or mail, as follows: 1. The phone numbers for DOD activity con- tact points are as follows: 1-800-424-9098 Toll Free (202) 693-5080 Commercial 223-5080  Autovon Or you can write to the following address: 2. DOD Hot Line The Pentagon Washington, DC 20301 The phone numbers for DON activity con- tact points are as follows: 1-800-522-3451 Toll Free (202) 433-6743 Commercial 288-6743  Autovon Or you can write to the following address: The Naval Inspector General Attn: Navy Hot Line, Bldg. 200 Washington Navy Yard Washington, DC 20374 3. Check your official bulletin board or your local  naval  telephone  directory  for  the numbers and addresses of your command hot line. Check your local Navy exchange, the local base newspaper, and your local naval telephone directory for other special hot lines for particular programs. THE NAVAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE REPORTING SYSTEM The Naval Investigative Service (NIS) is the criminal and investigative organization for the Department of the Navy. NIS primarily in- vestigates major crimes and fraud committed against the government. Essentially, major crimes are those for which the maximum penalty required by law is more than 1 year’s imprisonment or a loss valued at more than 0. 6-10