What is the purpose of an investigative subpoena?

The purpose of an investigative subpoena is to secure documents related to an investigation. This tool is typically used by regulatory authorities or other bodies involved in oversight to gather necessary information that can aid in determining the facts surrounding a matter under investigation.

When an agency believes there might be wrongdoing or needs to ensure compliance with regulations, an investigative subpoena allows them to compel the production of records, documents, or other tangible evidence that are crucial for forming a clear picture of the situation. This kind of subpoena can be essential in various circumstances where voluntary cooperation from the involved parties is not guaranteed or where critical evidence may be time-sensitive.

The other choices reflect actions or notifications that occur after the investigative process, rather than being aimed at gathering evidence at the outset. For instance, disciplining a certificate holder usually occurs as a result of findings from such investigations, notifying about complaints may be part of ongoing transparency practices, and providing information to the public typically pertains to final outcomes after investigations are completed.