(1) All complaints must be in writing; include the complainant's name, address, and telephone number; be signed by the complainant; and allege specific facts demonstrating why the complainant believes that official misconduct or otherwise improper conduct has occurred. The complaint may be on the form provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The complaint may be initiated by the Commission itself or by any individual, organization, or entity.

(2) Upon receiving a written complaint concerning a clerk, the Commission shall determine whether the complaint states facts which, if true, would constitute official misconduct or otherwise improper conduct for which the clerk may be subject to disciplinary action(s) and/or remedial measure(s) under Section 6. If it appears to the Commission that no such conduct has occurred even if the alleged facts are true, no further inquiry shall be made, and the Commission shall report same to the Chief Justice.

(3) If it appears to the Commission that the complaint states facts which, if true, would constitute official misconduct or otherwise improper conduct for which the clerk may be subject to disciplinary action(s) and/or remedial measures under Section 6, it shall make preliminary inquiry as follows: Notice of the complaint shall be mailed to the clerk at his or her home address by first-class U.S. mail and will be marked “Personal and Confidential.” The notice shall:

(4) If, after reviewing the clerk's response, the Commission determines there is not good cause to proceed with an investigation, it shall report same to the Chief Justice. If, however, the Commission determines there is good cause to proceed with an investigation, or in the event the clerk fails to timely provide the response required in subsection (3) above, the Commission shall commence an investigation to determine whether disciplinary action(s) and/or remedial measure(s) should be recommended. In either event, the clerk shall be notified in writing.

(5) At any stage of the investigation, the Commission or its special investigator may conduct interviews or take statements, whether or not taken under oath. Interviews should include all relevant persons, including but not limited to, the complainant, the clerk, and witnesses.

(6) Upon conclusion of its investigation, the Commission shall submit written findings of fact and recommendation(s) to the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice shall be entitled to view the file of the matter if he so desires.

(7) The Commission shall make its recommendation(s) to the Chief Justice within ninety days of the commencement of the investigation. An investigation is “commenced” upon the Commission's determination that there is good cause to proceed with an investigation. The Commission may request in writing an extension of time not to exceed thirty days, which extension may be granted by the Chief Justice for good cause shown.

(8) Final action(s) taken by the Chief Justice shall be placed in the Commission's file of the matter.