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For Immediate Release
In 1778, the Founding Fathers recognized the importance of whistleblowers and passed legislation declaring it the “duty of all persons in the service of the United States” to report “misconduct, frauds or misdemeanors.” Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG) joins agencies across the federal government to commemorate National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
DHS OIG honors whistleblowers who step forward in good faith to promote a more accountable, effective, and efficient government. The DHS Inspector General hosted a Town Hall today to recognize the important role whistleblowers play in our daily work.
“IGs deeply value the contributions of whistleblowers, “said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. “We celebrate those who have blown the whistle, and we are committed to empowering individuals to report waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. Today, we express our gratitude for their bravery and commitment to improving government.”
DHS OIG maintains a hotline to receive allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and suspected criminal activity that pertain to DHS programs and operations. Individuals may contact the OIG Hotline through our website or by calling (800) 323-8603. Whistleblowers can choose to remain anonymous when reporting to the OIG.
DHS OIG also has a Whistleblower Protection Coordinator, who plays an important role as a resource for employees who need to understand the protections and rights afforded them when they report allegations they reasonably believe constitute waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement. The OIG Whistleblower Protection Coordinator is available to provide general information to DHS employees and contractors on whistleblower rights and protections and can be contacted at whistleblowerprotectioncoordinator@oig.dhs.gov.