Frequently Asked Questions
The Office Of Inspector General (OIG) was established in each state agency by their respective legislature. In 1994, Florida enacted Florida Statute Section 20.055, which established OIG as the central point for coordination of and responsibility for activities that promote accountability, integrity, and efficiency in state government.
FWC OIG accomplishes these goals through internal investigations, audits, and management reviews. Additionally, the OIG conducts investigations brought under the agency’s Ombudsman Program and investigates complaints that fall under the Florida Whistle-blower Protection Act. FWC OIG also investigates reports of sexual harassment involving FWC employees/contractors.
The FWC Office of Inspector General (OIG) is divided into the Internal Investigations Section and Internal Audit Section. The Internal Investigations Section investigates allegations of employee misconduct and reports of fraud, waste, and abuse of Agency resources. The Investigations Team is comprised of non-sworn and sworn law enforcement investigators who gather evidence and testimony to determine whether a violation has occurred as alleged. The Internal Investigations Section also conducts investigations that qualify under the Florida Whistle-blower’s Protection Act as well as allegations of sexual harassment involving FWC employees/contractors.
The Internal Audit Section of OIG conducts financial, regulatory, compliance, electronic data processing, and performance audits of Agency programs. The Internal Audit team also conducts management reviews and evaluates internal controls to ensure the fiscal accountability within the Agency.
Florida Statute Section 112.3187-31895, established the Florida Whistle-blower Protection Act. The intent of the Act is to prevent agencies or independent contractors from taking retaliatory action against an employee who reports violations of law by a public employer or independent contractor that create a substantial and specific danger to the public's health, safety, or welfare or who reports or discloses information alleging improper use of government office, gross waste of funds, or any other abuse or gross neglect of duty by an agency, public officer, or employee. The Office of Inspector General in each state agency, or the Chief Inspector General within the Executive Office of the Governor, is charged with investigating whistle-blower allegations.
You may file a whistle-blower complaint by contacting our office, or by completing an online form. Reports can be submitted anonymously.
The traditional role of an Ombudsman is to receive and investigate complaints by individuals against government officials. Since the Inspector General Act placed this responsibility in the Office of Inspector General, the duties of the FWC Inspector General/Ombudsman are to address concerns expressed by employees that have not or cannot be resolved through the normal chain of command.
Complaints regarding employee misconduct, or reports of fraud, waste, or abuse of Agency resources can be filed online, by phone at 850-488-6068, by email to any of the addresses listed on our Contact List, or by mail addressed to: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office of Inspector General 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
All complaints are kept confidential while being investigated and can be submitted anonymously.
Employees who are members of a collective bargaining unit have certain rights enumerated in the contracts of these units. Non-sworn Career Service employees are covered by the contract between the State and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, Florida Public Employees Council 79 (AFSCME). This contract gives employees the right to have a representative present during any disciplinary investigation meeting, or during a pre-determination conference in which the suspension or dismissal of the employee is being considered.
Representatives may advise and assist the employee, but may not interfere with the interview, object to questions, or otherwise become adversarial. Employees not covered by this contract are Selected Exempt Service, Senior Management Service and Other Personal Services employees.
FWC sworn law enforcement officers have certain rights during disciplinary investigations found in their union contract and Section 112.531-535. F.S.
All internal investigations are confidential and exempt from disclosure under Florida's public records law until the investigation is completed.
The FWC Office of Inspector General is charged with investigating all reports of sexual harassment involving FWC employees/contractors. To file a report of sexual harassment, please contact OIG immediately. Reports can be filed online, by phone at 850-488-6068, by email to any of the addresses listed on our Contact List, or by mail addressed to: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office of Inspector General 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
All complaints are treated as confidential. All personal identifying information (name, job title, etc.) of the victims of alleged sexual harassment is kept confidential and exempt from disclosure under Florida's public records law, even after the investigation is completed.
Yes. All internal investigations and complaints are confidential and exempt from disclosure under Florida's public records law until the closure. Complaints can be filed anonymously online, by phone at 850-488-6068, or by mail addressed to: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office of Inspector General 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600.
In the 2017/2018 fiscal year, OIG received and reviewed 164 complaints and conducted 46 internal investigations. Please see the OIG Annual Report for additional details.
