Frequently Asked Questions
about
Whistleblowing

  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?


HOW should I make a report?

Your report should be IN WRITING! An you should send it by CERTIFIED MAIL!

Specifically, A.R.S. 38-532 states:

B. The disclosure by an employee to a public body alleging a violation of law, mismanagement, gross waste of monies or abuse of authority shall be in writing and shall contain the following information:
  1. The date of the disclosure.
  2. The name of the employee making the disclosure.
  3. The nature of the alleged violation of law, mismanagement, gross waste of monies or abuse of authority.
  4. If possible, the date or range of dates on which the alleged violation of law, mismanagement, gross waste of monies or abuse of authority occurred.

To protect yourself, you need to establish that YOU are reporting someone else's wrongdoing. (Not the other way around.) If you were ordered or coerced into doing something unethical or illegal, you need to make sure there is evidence that YOU were the FIRST to report it. Even if you weren't directly involved, just having knowledge of it could make you liable.


Prepare your Whistleblower Report prudently. Make a written draft of what you want to say.
  • What EXACTLY happened and when?
  • Who was in charge?
  • Who was involved?
  • Who was/is a witness?
  • On what date(s) did it happen?
  • Is it still going on?
  • How long has it been going on?
  • How much money/resources were involved?
  • Is it something Unethical or CRIMINAL?
  • Were you "personally" involved?
  • Was it against your will? Were you ordered, forced, threaten, coerced?
  • Did you voice your objection to it? Or were you afraid to?
  • Did you try to report it earlier? To whom and how?
  • Did you feel threatened in any way about reporting it to someone earlier?
  • What copies of documents can you include in your report?

Most importantly, be sure to state that:
  1. YOU did NOT want to be a part of it.
  2. YOU believe that it was unethical or illegal.
  3. You wish to know the name and mailing address of the "independent personnel board" that you should contact if any reprisals are taken against you for making your report.
The information on this page is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as substitute for advice from a qualified legal professional. Your rights and the laws concerning such will vary depending on your individual situation.