WASHINGTON - National banks will soon have a new way to let the  Office of the Comptroller of the Currency know what they think of its   examination process.   
On Monday, the agency unveiled a survey that banks can fill out at the  conclusion of each OCC examination. The completed forms will be sent   directly to OCC Ombudsman Samuel P. Golden in an effort to quell banks'   fears of retribution from examiners.     
  
"I want bankers to know that they can respond honestly, without fear of  reprisal," said Comptroller Eugene A. Ludwig. Mr. Ludwig created the   ombudsman's office last September to offer banks a nonpartisan forum to   complain about exams.     
The OCC program is similar to one begun last December by the Office of  Thrift Supervision. So far, the thrift agency has received about 300   surveys back.   
  
The Comptroller's office will start handing out the post-exam survey  this June. It will ask a variety of questions, ranging from whether the   exam placed "undue burden" on the bank to whether the examination team   acted in a professional manner.     
In cases where responses name an individual examiner and are deemed  "extremely negative," Mr. Golden will follow up with the relevant OCC   district office. When specific agency policies or procedures are criticized   by a respondent, Mr. Golden will report confidentially to the appropriate   OCC personnel in Washington.       
"We're going to carefully listen to individual bankers, and most  importantly, to respond accordingly," Mr. Golden said.