IA definitions: NOT SUSTAINED means which?

• A. The alleged actions occurred and violated policy
• B. Insufficient proof to confirm or refute allegation
• C. The alleged actions did occur, but no policy violation
• D. The claims are unfounded

Answer: (B)

Not sustained is the finding used when there isn’t enough evidence to make a determination one way or the other. It means the investigation cannot confirm that the alleged conduct occurred, nor can it confirm that it did not occur, and it cannot determine whether any policy was violated. In other words, there is insufficient proof to confirm or refute the allegation.

This fits the option that describes insufficient proof to confirm or refute the allegation. It differs from other outcomes: an assertion that the actions occurred and violated policy would show a clear finding of misconduct; stating the actions occurred but there was no policy violation is a different outcome; and claiming the claims are unfounded would mean the allegation is false, which is not what not sustained implies.