DOD INSTRUCTION 5505.18
I
NVESTIGATION OF ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Originating Component: Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense
Effective: March 22, 2017
Releasability: Cleared for public release. Available on the DoD Issuances Website at
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.
Reissues and Cancels: DoD Instruction 5505.18, “Investigation of Adult Sexual Assault in the
Department of Defense,” January 25, 2013, as amended
Approved by: Glenn A. Fine, Acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense
Purpose: This issuance, in accordance with DoD Directive (DoDD) 5106.01:
• Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for the investigation of adult
sexual assault within the DoD, in accordance with the authority in the Inspector General Act of 1978, as
amended, of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Appendix.
• Establishes the processes and procedures for the use, maintenance, and protection of certain
information from a Restricted Report of adult sexual assault obtained by the military criminal
investigative organizations (MCIOs) after the victim has elected to provide such information, but
without affecting the restricted nature of the report, in accordance with Section 543 of Public Law 113-
291.
• Establishes an exception to the initiation of an adult sexual assault investigation by an MCIO when
information is received in accordance with Section 543 of Public Law 113-291.
