The OIG Whistleblower Protection Program ensures that employees who disclose allegations of serious wrongdoing or gross mismanagement are free from fear of reprisal for their disclosures.

If the OIG, through the efforts of the Associate Inspector General for Whistleblower Protection, discerns that an employee who provided information to DOI management or the OIG is vulnerable to reprisal, the Inspector General may respond in one of several ways:

• Conduct an informal or formal inquiry to determine if reprisal is taking place;

• Advise the appropriate Assistant Secretary or Bureau Director to intervene if reprisal is occurring or threatened; and

• Assist the employee in seeking relief through the U.S. Office of Special Counsel or other appropriate authority if the reprisal continues.

Employee Rights and Responsibilities related to Disclosures of Alleged Wrongdoing

• Employees who report allegations of serious wrongdoing or gross mismanagement must provide sufficient information for the OIG to commence an inquiry. This is particularly important when the employee wishes to remain confidential;
• Employees are reporting parties, not investigators;
• Employees must be candid and truthful with investigators or others to whom they disclose alleged wrongdoing or mismanagement;
• Protection of the disclosing employee's identity is not absolute but will be maintained to the fullest extent possible; and
• An employee's right to protection against reprisal does not extend immunity for the employee's own involvement in wrongdoing or mismanagement.

Filing a Complaint of Reprisal with the OIG

If you believe you are being retaliated against for having disclosed alleged wrongdoing or mismanagement, you may file a complaint with the Associate Inspector General for Whistleblower Protection, Laurie Larson-Jackson, at (202) 208-6460 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name, home address or email address, and telephone number. Whistleblower protection cannot be extended to any employee who chooses to remain anonymous;
• The specific facts that constitute the serious wrongdoing or gross mismanagement that you disclosed;
• The name of the person(s) who have retaliated or have threatened to retaliate against you; and
• Any other information that would assist the OIG in assessing your complaint of reprisal.

If you want to make a disclosure regarding waste, fraud, or mismanagement please call the OIG Hotline at (202) 208-5300.

The OIG is authorized to investigate allegations that relate to the programs and operations of the Department. The OIG does not have authority to investigate EEO matters.

Additional information about Whistleblower Protection may be found at the Office of Special Counsel Web site.

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