The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently engaged in a “90-day policy sprint” to develop a whistleblower rewards program. Whistleblower advocates have been urging the DOJ to implement best practices found in highly successful whistleblower programs and are now calling on the public to join in the action.
National Whistleblower Center (NWC) has issued an Action Alert allowing individuals to write to the DOJ to demand that the DOJ Whistleblower Program is implemented in a way that works for whistleblowers. NWC is calling for the DOJ to offer mandatory awards of 10-30% of the proceeds collected thanks to the whistleblower, establish anonymous and confidential reporting channels, establish a Whistleblower Office, and offer clear eligibility requirements consistent with other programs.
On March 7, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced that the DOJ was looking to, for the first time, set up a dedicated whistleblower award program. During the “90-day policy sprint” the DOJ is looking “to gather information, consult with stakeholders, and design a thoughtful, well-informed program,” according to Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri.
NWC Chairman of the Board Stephen M. Kohn has been publicly pushing for these elements since the DOJ announced the development of the program on March 7. In addition to sending letters to the DOJ outlining these issues, he has written op-eds and appeared on radio interviews.
According to Kohn, by modeling its program of the highly successful Dodd-Frank Act whistleblower programs, the DOJ will be able to establish a program which effectively incentives whistleblowers by offering monetary awards and strong confidentiality protections.
NWC’s Action Alert allows whistleblower supporters to send letters to the DOJ calling for the same elements supported by Kohn and NWC.
“By implementing these recommendations, the DOJ can create a truly exceptional whistleblower program that empowers whistleblowers, protects the public interest, and combats waste, fraud, and abuse,” the letter states.
On April 23, the whistleblower law firm Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto, LLP, in partnership with NWC, will be hosting a free webinar on the topic of “Establishing an Effective DOJ Whistleblower Rewards Program to Fight Corruption Worldwide.”