Department of Defense
INSTRUCTION
NUMBER 5505.03
March 24, 2011
Incorporating Change 2, February 13, 2017
IG DoD
SUBJECT: Initiation of Investigations by Defense Criminal Investigative Organizations
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE. This instruction:
a. In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5106.01 (Reference (a)),
reissues DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5505.3 (Reference (b)), changes the subject title, and
establishes policy and updates the responsibilities and procedures to ensure the independence,
objectivity, and effectiveness of the Defense Criminal Investigative Organizations (DCIOs).
b. Implements section 1732(b) of Public Law 113-66 (Reference (c)) for DCIOs.
c. Establishes policy that requires DCIOs to identify a DoD nexus before initiating a
criminal investigation or operation.
2. APPLICABILITY. This Instruction applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the
Office of the Inspector General of the DoD, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities,
and all other organizational entities within the DoD (hereafter referred to collectively as the
“DoD Components”).
3. DEFINITIONS. See Glossary.
4. POLICY
a. Pursuant to Reference (a), it is DoD policy that DCIOs shall initiate investigations in
accordance with law and governing regulations, but do not require approval from any authority
outside of the DCIO. Commanders not assigned to the DCIOs shall not impede or interfere
with investigations or investigative techniques deemed appropriate by the DCIOs.
