The Commission has extensive regulatory duties under the various acts it is charged with administering. The conduct of investigations is essential to the proper exercise of the Commission's regulatory duties. It is the purpose of this subpart to establish procedures for the conduct of such investigations which will insure protection of the public interest in the proper and effective administration of the law. The Commission encourages voluntary cooperation in its investigations where such can be effected without delay or without prejudice to the public interest. The Commission may, in any matter under investigation, invoke any or all of the compulsory processes authorized by law. [Rule 281.]

Commission inquiries and nonadjudicatory investigations are originated by the Commission upon its own motion when in its discretion the Commission determines that information is required for the purposes of rulemaking or is necessary or helpful in the determination of its policies or the carrying out of its duties, including whether to institute formal proceedings directed toward determining whether any of the laws which the Commission administers have been violated. [Rule 282.]

When the Commission has determined that an investigation is necessary, an Order of Investigation shall be issued. [Rule 283.]

Investigations are conducted by Commission representatives designated and duly authorized for the purpose. (See § 502.25.) Such representatives are authorized to exercise the duties of their office in accordance with the laws of the United States and the regulations of the Commission, including the resort to all compulsory processes authorized by law, and the administration of oaths and affirmances in any matters under investigation by the Commission. [Rule 284.]

(a) Investigational hearings, as distinguished from hearings in adjudicatory proceedings, may be conducted in the course of any investigation undertaken by the Commission, including inquiries initiated for the purpose of determining whether or not a person is complying with an order of the Commission.

(b) Investigational hearings may be held before the Commission, one or more of its members, or a duly designated representative, for the purpose of hearing the testimony of witnesses and receiving documents and other data relating to any subject under investigation. Such hearings shall be stenographically reported and a transcript thereof shall be made a part of the record of investigation. [Rule 285.]

The Commission, or its designated representative may issue orders or subpoenas directing the person named therein to appear before a designated representative at a designated time and place to testify or to produce documentary evidence relating to any matter under investigation, or both. Such orders and subpoenas shall be served in the manner provided in § 502.134. [Rule 286.]

The Commission, or its duly authorized representative, may order testimony to be taken by deposition in any investigation at any stage of such investigation. Such depositions may be taken before any person designated by the Commission having the power to administer oaths. Such testimony shall be reduced to writing by the person taking the deposition or under his or her direction, and shall then be subscribed by the deponent. Any person may be compelled to appear and be deposed and to produce evidence in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce documentary evidence as provided in § 502.131. [Rule 287.]

The Commission may issue an order requiring a person to file a report or answers in writing to specific questions relating to any matter under investigation. [Rule 288.]

In case of failure to comply with Commission investigational processes, appropriate action may be initiated by the Commission, including actions for enforcement by the Commission or the Attorney General and forfeiture of penalties or criminal actions by the Attorney General. [Rule 289.]

Any person required to testify or to submit documentary evidence shall be entitled to retain or, on payment of lawfully prescribed cost, procure a copy of any document produced by such person and of his or her own testimony as stenographically reported or, in the depositions, as reduced to writing by or under the direction of the person taking the deposition. Any party compelled to testify or to produce documentary evidence may be accompanied and advised by counsel, but counsel may not, as a matter or right, otherwise participate in the investigation. [Rule 290.]

Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, all investigatory proceedings shall be nonpublic. [Rule 291.]