Whistleblower Protection: Opportunities Exist for DOD to Improve the Timeliness and Quality of Civilian and Contractor Reprisal Investigations
Abstract
Whistleblowers play an important role in safeguarding the federal government against waste, fraud, and abuse. However, whistleblowers also risk reprisal, such as demotion, reassignment, and firing. GAO was asked to review DODIGs reprisal investigations program for DOD civilians and contractors. This report examines the extent to which DODIG has (1) met and taken steps to achieve key timeliness goals for civilian and contractor reprisal investigations,(2) established processes to ensure that civilian and contractor reprisal cases are handled independently and thoroughly, (3) conducted oversight of civilian reprisal cases handled by the defense intelligence components, and(4) developed performance measures to assess the timeliness and quality of its investigations. GAO analyzed DODIG data for cases closed from fiscal years 2013 through 2015,reviewed a generalizable random sample of 178 cases closed in 2015,which included all fully investigated cases, and interviewed cognizant officials and investigators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1163436
Entities
People
- Amie Lesser
- Brenda S. Farrell
- Cale Jones
- Cynthia Saunders
- David Ballard
- Erik Wilkins-mckee
- James Ashley
- Lori Atkinson
- Marc Molino
- Michael Silver
- Richard Powelson
- Ryan Damore
- Taylor Hadfield
- Tracy Barnes
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office