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1. How much evidence do I need to make a fraud, waste, or abuse report?

The more information you can provide the easier it is for the Investigation Committee to complete a thorough review and investigation. Details such as names of people or departments involved, times and dates of the incident, vendor names, and a description of the incident are helpful. The Investigation Committee may also reach out to the reporter to request additional information through the anonymous reporting system or directly if contact information is provided.

2. If I submit a fraud, waste, or abuse report, what happens next?

Once a report is submitted, it is reviewed by the City's Investigation Committee to determine if there is reasonable cause to believe fraud has occurred that requires further investigation. This process can involve gathering additional evidence by reviewing available documentation, conducting on-site reviews, and reaching out to the reporter to request additional details. The results of this preliminary review are presented by the Committee to the City Manager - or the City Council as needed - to determine how to proceed with a fraud investigation if the allegation is substantiated.

These procedures are detailed in the City's Fraud Response Policy (PDF), which was adopted on September 28, 2021.

3. Who is on the Investigation Committee that determines the course of action for a report?

The Investigation Committee is generally comprised of five staff members from the Internal Audit, Human Resources,and Legal Departments. In addition, staff from other departments may be added for an investigation as needed. If a fraud, waste, or abuse report implicates the City Auditor, City Manager, or City Attorney, staff members that report to that appointed position are required to recuse themselves from the investigation.