IA filing purging occurs after how many years following unfounded or unsubstantiated allegations?

• A. 0 Years
• B. 2 Years
• C. 5 Years
• D. 1 Year

Answer: (D)

Purging IA records after unfounded or unsubstantiated allegations is about protecting a officer’s privacy while keeping personnel records accurate. When an investigation ends with no basis found (unfounded) or not enough evidence to substantiate the claim (unsubstantiated), the file is removed after a short, defined period to prevent ongoing stigma from an unproven accusation. That period is one year, balancing the need to review the case and the desire to prevent lasting negative impact from unproven claims. If an allegation is sustained, the record isn’t purged in the same way and is kept in accordance with policy for performance or disciplinary history. In short, one year is the standard timeframe for purging unfounded or unsubstantiated IA filings.