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1. How does the hotline work?

There are two methods to make hotline reports to the City: (1) by phone call or (2) online. For either method, reports are sent directly to the Internal Audit Department for further review.

Phone calls to 931-648-6166 are handled through voice recorded instructions followed by 3 minutes of recording time for callers to report their concerns.

Online reports utilize a form with instructions where you can include information related to your report.

When using either reporting method, be sure to include as much detail as possible and check the "What information should I include?" FAQ to make sure your report contains all necessary information.

2. What information should I include?

No matter which method of reporting you choose, please include as much detail as possible by answering the following questions:

• Who did it? Give the first and last names of individuals involved.
• When did it happen? Where did it happen?
• What City department or program was involved? Please be as specific as possible.
• What did they do that was wrong? Describe the action or event in as much detail as possible.
• How did they do it?
• Do you have first hand knowledge of the event?
• Where can we obtain evidence of this event? If you have specific evidence or documents related to your report, these can be uploaded with the online reporting form.
• Who else knows about this event and how do they know?
• May we contact you for additional information? If so, provide your contact information in the report.

3. What happens after I state my concern?

The Internal Audit department will gather sufficient information to determine the appropriate action needed. Depending on the nature of the issue, the report may be referred to another City department. Each report is unique and is investigated to the fullest extent possible with the information provided.

4. Will I hear back from the City regarding my concern?

Matters communicated to the Internal Audit Department are typically kept confidential to the extent possible. There may be some situations where you will receive a follow up communication from the Internal Audit Department or another department, if it is appropriate for the type of allegation. For the majority of reports, you will not hear back from us; however, you can be assured that we will investigate each report to the fullest extent possible.

5. Am I required to provide my contact information?

No. You are not required to provide your contact information. However, providing your contact information will help facilitate a thorough investigation of the allegation since we can contact you for more detailed information, if needed.

6. Will my identity be kept confidential if I identify myself?

The information you provide is considered confidential under TCA 9-3-406(a). Your confidentiality is not guaranteed, however, if the City has a separate legal obligation to cooperate in a subsequent legal proceeding related to your allegation. Again, if you do not wish to identify yourself, you are not required to provide contact information. Providing your information, however, may help facilitate the investigation.

7. What if I am retaliated against for stating my concern?

Tennessee State law prohibits any retaliation against whistle-blowers. If an employee or citizen feels that they are the subject of retaliation for reporting wrongdoing, they should contact the City Human Resources Department or the Internal Audit Department.

8. What types of concerns should be reported?

You should report any activity by a City official or City employee that you consider to be illegal, improper, wasteful, or fraudulent. For clarity, see the definitions of fraud, waste, and abuse below:

• Fraud - An intentional deception that violates a law or the public trust for personal benefit or the benefit of others
• Waste - Behavior involving the extravagant, careless, or needless use of government funds, property, and/or personnel
• Abuse - Behavior involving the use of government funds or property that a prudent person would not consider reasonable and necessary business practice given the facts and circumstances

9. Return to the Fraud and Audit Web Page

Return to the Fraud and Audit Web Page