Brave Voices: Report and Recommendations on the Need for Better Whistleblower Protection (From Government Ethics Reform for the 1990s; The Collected Reports of the New York State Commission on Government Integrity, P 687-700, 1991, Bruce A Green, ed. -- See NCJ-130587)

• NCJ Number: 130592
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 14 pages
• Corporate Author: New York State Commission on Government Integrity
• Sale Source: Fordham University Press
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Current New York State law regarding whistleblowers who report governmental misconduct is inadequate to serve its intended purpose of protecting public employees from reprisals if they reveal wrongdoing.

Abstract

Interviews with hundreds of public employees and depositions with many others revealed that despite the existence of the State's whistleblower statute, many public employees continue to have a deeply held fear of reprisals. Because of this fear, those interviewed often asked that the confidentiality of their communications be protected. In addition, some were reluctant to speak candidly even with an assurance that their information would be received in confidence. These findings made clear the current protections for whistleblowers need to be expanded. Reforms should include expanding the definition of improper governmental action, authorizing a State agency to receive confidential information regarding improper government action, protection to public employees who provide truthful information at the request of a public agency, and protection of private employees who disclose improper government action. Further reforms should include authorizing a State agency to investigate alleged reprisals against whistleblowers and posting of the whistleblowing law accompanied by a brief summary and explanation to inform all public employees. Footnotes