Commander and First Sergeant's Checklist for Airmen Under Investigation or Involved with the Legal System

Additional Considerations to Discuss with the Treatment Team

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• AF Investigative Interview Policy. Per AFI 90-5001, para. 5.3.2, following any subject interview, AF investigators must hand-off the member directly to their CC or 1st Sgt through person-to-person documented contact and inform them of any perceived risk of suicide in accordance with investigative policies. CCs and 1st Sgts will use the checklist when notified that an Airman is under UCMJ or civilian criminal investigation. This can assist with mitigating risk of suicide, suicide attempt or other forms of harm

 

• Consult JA. Following or preceding an OSI interview, the CC may have questions/issues they want to discuss with the Airman. Due to the nature of the CC’s role, and that the Airman may be suspected of criminal wrongdoing, any discussions may need to be preceded by an Art. 31, UCMJ, or Miranda Rights advisement. CCs should immediately and frequently consult with their JA on whether or not they should advise an Airman of his/her rights prior to discussing things related to the suspected offense as it could prompt self-incriminating responses, questions, etc., from the Airman.

 

• Guidance for Check-ins. Key personnel may include those directly working with the Airman in supportive or treatment capacities. Be willing to ask about possible thoughts of wanting to die by suicide. It will help you know what type of help they may need. Use the ACE Model for discussing suicide. Additional questions to consider asking: Would you tell me if you were having thoughts of harm? Do you have a wingman for support?

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• Access to Lethal Means. Access to lethal means may put a member at increased risk for acting on thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Lethal Means Safety is a strategy to reduce potential risk. Given the elevated risk among Airmen under investigation, it is recommended that unit leadership encourage the member to voluntarily relinquish firearms temporarily to be secured in the armory or to a trusted friend or unit member. Other potentially lethal means (e.g., medications and/or hazardous chemicals) should be  considered if the member has expressed thoughts of self-harm with these means. Leaders at all levels will comply with DoD requirements (e.g. gun locks, safe storage, danger to self or others procedures) and consult with JA prior to taking action that would restrict a member’s access to weapons. Additional question CC may consider asking may include, but not limited to, do you plan to purchase a weapon?

 

• Frequent Check-ins. Check-ins (daily to 2-3 times a week) may be accomplished in person, via phone, or text at the discretion of the CC. Weekly contacts with the 1st Sgt should occur face to face. Ensure that these are “caring contacts”.

 

• Activity Plan. An activity plan is a set of instructions with activities to structure time while away from work, school or other regularly scheduled activities. The activities plan may include a daily schedule  planning out each day from activities of daily living, events, and coping strategies. The plan should include daily check-ins with peers, family, friends or unit leadership. The plan must be re-evaluated on a regular basis and prior to any new leave requests/long weekends.

 

• Leave Requests. Leave requests, especially outside the local area should be carefully considered in light of case status and the member’s coping abilities. CC review should be conducted in conjunction with BH, JA, law enforcement, and supervisor input, as appropriate. CC or 1st Sgt must coordinate with JA and law enforcement if the member is under investigation because there may be concerns with the member being a flight risk (deserter/fugitive) to avoid prosecution or other punitive action.
   

• Ensure that the member does not feel “written off” by the CC, chain of command, unit, or peers. Airmen under investigation must continue to meet applicable standards and should be given opportunities to contribute to the mission and interact with unit and peers through formal/informal squadron functions unless there are specific reasons to exclude them from such activities. Feared loss of career is a significant stressor and risk factor for suicide related behaviors. Social exclusion and feeling like a burden to others are identified suicide risk factors. Keep the member integrated and productive to every extent possible. This may pose a challenge if operational access has been restricted, but CC and 1st Sgt should be creative to find task that are commensurate with the individual’s rank and AFSC.