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Whistleblower Policy

Whistleblower Protections Are More Vital Now Than Ever

In today’s increasingly complex governmental landscape, the importance of whistleblower protections cannot be overstated. Recent political discussions and the highly controversial work of The Department of Government Efficiency highlight that the need to safeguard individuals who expose wrongdoing is more critical than ever. Regardless of your political affiliation, you need to be aware of your rights. Parrish & Goodman, Attorneys at Law, has Florida Whistleblower Attorneys available to help you.

Why Are Whistleblower Protections Needed Now More Than Ever?

In the inaugural hearing of The Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) on February 12, 2025, Haywood Talcove, the Chief Executive Officer of LexisNexis Risk Solutions for Government was asked whether private sector companies have a lower rate of improper payments than the federal government. He answered, “Yes. The fraud rate, that the criminals are taking advantage of in the public sector, is around 20%. In the private sector, it’s around 3%.”

Reflecting similar concerns, Senate Democrats launched a portal on February 10, 2025, for whistleblowers to report “wrongdoing, abuses of power, and threats to public safety.” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), and Senate Homeland Security Committee ranking member Gary Peters (D-MI), announced the new portal in an open letter addressed to “the Brave Public Servants and Whistleblowers.”

The implications for transparency and accountability are profound. This indicates a systemic issue that needs to be addressed. Both sides of the debate acknowledge that whistleblowers play a pivotal role in ensuring that government entities are held accountable for their actions.

What Are Whistleblower Protections?

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board defines whistleblowing as “disclosing information that you reasonably believe is evidence of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; gross mismanagement; a gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.”

Whistleblower protection laws were implemented to encourage individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. These laws cover a wide range of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, safety violations, and more. Nonetheless, many potential whistleblowers hesitate to come forward due to fears of job loss, legal repercussions, or personal attacks.

Whistleblower protection laws include, but are not limited to:

Recommendations for Federal Whistleblowers

The new Republican-led administration’s revamp of the federal bureaucracy may give potential whistleblowers pause, making them wonder if filing retaliation complaints through the usual channels is still useful. The Florida Whistleblower Attorneys at Parrish & Goodman, Attorneys at Law, offer the following recommendations:

  1. Consult with a knowledgeable attorney regarding your actions to protect your personal interests and rights along with guidance to ensure you don’t disqualify the admissibility of evidence that may be crucial to your claim.
  2. Maintain Detailed Records: It’s crucial to keep a comprehensive log or diary documenting relevant data. This information can be invaluable if you need to provide evidence later.
  3. Avoid Using Agency Resources: To safeguard your identity and protect yourself legally, do not utilize any resources belonging to your agency for whistleblowing activities. This includes work computers, phones, internet networks, printers, and even your work hours.
  4. Exercise Caution with Documents: Be extremely careful about handling government documents. Discuss any actions related to copying or removing documents with your attorney, as doing so unlawfully can lead to criminal charges.
  5. Enhance Your Digital Security: It’s vital to understand and implement smart digital security practices.
  6. Develop a Strategic Plan: A clear strategy is essential before proceeding with whistleblowing.

Experienced FL Whistleblower Attorneys

As we navigate through an era marked by disparities in transparency and accountability, whistleblower protections are a crucial line of defense against corruption and fraud. Partner with an experienced whistleblower attorney at Parrish & Goodman, Attorneys at Law. We can help protect your interests and ensure that you approach the process of whistleblowing thoughtfully and securely.