Citizens can inform the NIK about matters they find important via electronic forms, letters and phone calls. The NIK has a special unit, which deals with all information on potential irregularities in the state functioning delivered by citizens. If the given issue cannot be tackled by the NIK, the competent authority is notified, such as the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) or the Trade Inspectorate.
Complaints sent to the NIK provide a valuable source of information on irregularities with regard to the functioning of the state. They constitute a reliable database on areas which should be audited by the NIK. Once a complaint has been filed, the NIK can react in three ways. Firstly, an ad hoc audit can be carried out immediately, which is what the author of the complaint usually expects. Secondly, it can be considered during an audit that has been planned earlier or is being carried out at present. And thirdly, citizens’ reports on irregularities can be considered during analyses that precede the elaboration of future audit programmes. So, although senders of complaints do not always immediately see the reaction of the NIK, they always contribute to the improvement of the state functioning.
Recently, the number of complaints sent to the NIK via electronic mail has been growing, which can be attributed to the special form that is available from the NIK’s website. Complaints sent by citizens must be signed with their name, surname and address, and it is also advisable to give the e-mail address to be informed about the activities that the NIK undertakes in response to the complaint. Information from anonymous senders is not considered by the NIK.
