The First Whistleblower

Protecting and promoting the rights of whistleblowers and workers

1. What IS a "Whistleblower" ?
2. What should I do BEFORE I make a report/disclosure?
3. HOW show I make a report?
4. WHO should I send my report to?
5. What could happen to me if I DON'T make a report?
6. Could I get a $REWARD$ for making a report?
7. Am I protected from reprisal?
8. What is considered a "reprisal"?
9. What should I do if I believe I have been subjected to reprisals?
10. What rights do I have if I am questioned about a Whistleblower matter?

A Whistleblower, is someone that makes a report of "what a reasonable person would believe is" an act of: fraud, corruption, abuse of authority or position, illegal use of funds or resources, waste of funds or resources, unethical or illegal behavior, or, an act of retaliation against someone whom has made a report of such activity.

• Fraud:
  A contractor billing for work never done.
  An employee submitting expense reports for expenses never actually incurred.
• Corruption:
  An elected official coerces someone into making a donation to their campaign fund in return for a contract or job for a friend.
  An official or manager orders you to give their relative or friend a job or contract which they aren't qualified for, and/or threatens you with retaliation if you don't.
  
• Abuse of authority:
  An official or manager orders you to give someone a bad review or "make their life miserable" because they don't like them.
  A manager or official forces you to make a donation to their favorite charity, making you feel threatened if you don't.
  
• Illegal use of funds or resources:
  A manager uses funds from a special grant for a specific project to pay for another project.
  A manager orders employees to make repairs or improvements to their personal property.
  
• Waste of funds or resources:
  Someone spending $500.00 on a part they know then can get in a retail store for $3.00.
  A manager refuses to assign work to an employee that he doesn't like hoping they will quit out of boredom.
  
• Unethical or illegal behavior:
  Giving jobs to relatives or friends that aren't qualified.
  Giving special treatment such as training or advancement opportunities in return for sexual favors. Demanding "kick-backs" for contracts or jobs.
  Coming to work repeatedly under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
  Claiming to be off-site at a meeting or inspection while out golfing or working another job.
  Falsifying the date a document was received, filed, signed, or sent.
  Asking you or others to lie or withhold the truth in order to cover-up someone else's misdeeds.
  
• Retaliation against someone for making a Whistleblower Report:
  Harassing, disciplining, demoting, withholding advancement, or firing someone that has reported any of these activities.

The are just few examples of what a Whistleblower report could be based on.

**NOTE** In some instances you may be entitled to a $CASH$ REWARD for making a Whistleblower Report.