Whistleblower Investigations

It is good to know that any assertions regarding improper government action can be filed anonymously. At the same time, if you include your name and number, the concerned authorities are able to reach you in order to gather further information. This information may be of great help in carrying out a thorough investigation. In addition to this, the law also provides certain remedies especially for those individuals who are subjected to any from of retaliation as a result of their whistleblower activities.

What authorities do require you to do for a whistleblower investigation to take place is that every assertion must be noted down separately and must also be supported by as much specific and detailed information as it is possible for you to provide. Proving such kinds of information can often turn out to be very difficult. Keeping this in mind you can understand how the supply of detailed or specific information can contribute to an efficient as well as thorough investigation. Authorities usually provide you with a whistleblower reporting form. This is a form that is designed so as to assist you in supplying them the necessary information in a documented manner.

To have a better understanding of the investigative process read on. How the procedure works is that once the report of any improper governmental action is received by the State Auditor's office, the whistleblower then receives a written response, acknowledging the receipt of the form or report. This takes about five working days. In the event that the assertions that have been reported fall within the provisions listed under the Whistleblower Act, then a preliminary investigation is carried out within a period of thirty days. However, so as to be absolutely thorough, many investigations could require some more time and thus have to be extended. On an average however, whistleblower investigations are completed within a maximum period of ninety days. By statute, it is a rule that no whistleblower investigation is extended beyond a year. Post investigation, a final report is issued. This report outlines the assertions and states whether or not they were substantiated. The report will also include any agency corrective action that has been planned so as to deal with the substantiated assertions. In conclusion the whistleblower and any other parties that are involved receive a copy of the final report. This is made a public document.