2.60.080 Administrative process.
(a) Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline.
(1) All WSSC employees and nonemployee stakeholders are encouraged to make a good faith report of any improper activities, violations and other suspected incidents of wrongdoing using third-party-serviced 24 hours/seven days per week WSSC fraud, waste, and abuse hotline via telephone, email, fax, other written correspondence, or internet (WSSC website).
(2) The facts reported are to be stated with as much specific information as possible so that the allegations can be adequately investigated.
(3) The reporting individual should not speculate or draw conclusions and should be prepared for possible questioning by intake specialists or investigators, or both.
(4) An individual may not directly or indirectly interfere with a hotline investigation, or induce or coerce others not to cooperate with investigators.
(5) Any attempt to directly or indirectly interfere with a hotline investigation by an employee is also prohibited and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination.
(b) Any intentional filing of false reports or false allegations, or both is:
(1) Considered improper activity; and
(2) Grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with the WSSC personnel regulations and standard procedures.
(c) If investigators conclude there is reasonable belief by the reporting individual of improper activity, violations or suspected wrongdoings, or both, and the reporting individual made a good faith report, then the reporting individual may not be liable for filing a false report if the individual’s allegations are not substantiated.
(d)
(1) WSSC will not tolerate acts of retaliation.
(2) Efforts will be taken to protect the reporting WSSC employee from any retaliation.
(3)
(i) If a WSSC employee believes retaliation occurred, the Equal Opportunity Office will be notified to investigate the allegations.
(ii) If allegations are confirmed, the WSSC will take the appropriate action in accordance with the appropriate regulations and standard procedures. (Document dated July 1, 2020)