See also: Fraud Tipline Information
What is the purpose of the City of Rockville Fraud Tipline?
The City established an independent Fraud Tipline as part of the City’s commitment to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse in government operations. Implementation of a tipline is consistent with a trend among government agencies to establish fraud-referral systems as a deterrent and send a positive message to all employees about leadership’s commitment to protect public resources.
What do you mean by fraud, waste and abuse?
Fraud
A dishonest and intentional course of action that results in obtaining money, property or an advantage to which the individual committing the action would not normally be entitled.
Waste
The needless, careless or extravagant expenditure of City funds, incurring of unnecessary expenses or misuse of City resources or property.
Abuse
The intentionally wrongful or improper use of City resources that can include the excessive or improper use of one’s position, in a manner contrary to its rightful or legally intended use.
How can I report fraud, waste, and abuse to the tipline?
The City began operating Friday, April 25, 2008. The tipline is available on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week and has the capacity to receive complaints in more than 150 languages. Information can be provided to the Fraud Tipline by any of the following methods:
Toll-free telephone number: (877) 442-0834
Web-based access: https://www.tnwinc.com/webreport
E-mail address: reportline@tnwinc.com
Why should I report fraud, waste or abuse to the tipline?
Working together, we ensure that we continue to have a positive and productive environment that protects our city resources and maintains our high standard of ethical integrity and service to our employees. If you are aware of any illegal or improper activity, do not ignore it. Report it immediately!
Who operates the tipline?
The City contracted with The Network, an independent company that provides hotline services to more than 1,000 clients. The tipline provides a confidential means to report fraud, waste, and abuse.
Who can file a report?
The tipline is designed to take reports from employees of the City of Rockville.
What can be reported?
- Theft or Fraud
- Fraudulent travel or other reimbursement claims
- Abuse of Authority
- Creating or ignoring safety hazards
- Whistleblower reprisal
- Threats or Violence
What should not be reported?
- Day to day management issues
- Issues normally handled by the grievance process
- Employee benefits and compensation questions or concerns
- EEO Complaints
If I identify myself will anyone find out that I reported?
If you identify yourself to a tipline provider, your identity will only be provided to the department director where the issue resulted. However, if an investigation results in criminal prosecution, it is possible our records may be subpoenaed by the court.
What happens after I file a report?
The City’s senior management reviews all reports received to determine the best course of action. All credible allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse are investigated.
How long does it take for a complaint to be investigated?
The time to complete an investigation can vary from a couple of weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the issues being investigated.
If I give my name and telephone number, will the City contact me?
A department director may contact you if additional information is needed regarding your complaint.
Can I check the status of the investigation?
You will be assigned a report number and will either be able to call back or access the compliant via the web to see if additional information is needed.
