Section 707 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 authorizes the Attorney General to self-start investigations of pattern or practice discrimination. To determine if a pattern or practice of discrimination potentially exists, ELS conducts a preliminary investigation into the matter or related matters.

an inquiry or proceeding for the purpose of determining whether there is sufficient ground to engender a well-founded belief that a crime has been committed and the respondent is probably guilty thereof and should be held for trial

an inquiry to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to engender a well-founded belief that a crime has been committed and that the accused is probably guilty thereof