Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Paul Davis
Journal Staff writer

NORTH KINGSTOWN - Got a beef with your boss? Think a councilman is crooked?

Town employees, vendors and even students can now complain online about government abuse -- without fear of retaliation.

The complaint form is a few mouse clicks away, and users don't have to leave a name. A toll-free hotline -- 888-279-1904 -- is also available.

Town Manager Michael Embury says the Web-and-phone approach, launched a few weeks ago as part of a whistleblowers' policy, is the first in the state.

"We wanted to make it easier for people to voice their concerns," said Embury. "It's a less intimidating process than coming in and handing something over to a town manager or a superintendent."

The forms are advertised on the town's Web site, www.northkingstown.org. Visitors can choose from a variety of charges, from the serious to the outright criminal: conflict of interest, violation of policy, discrimination, harassment, falsification of contracts, substance abuse, theft and embezzlement.

Residents should try traditional channels first. "Everyone is encouraged to use the 'chain of command' to report problems or resolve disputes," the new site says. But those who fear retaliation can rely on the anonymous reporting system, which is handled by EthicsPoint, an Oregon-based company.

The complaints are reviewed by Embury, the school superintendent and members of the town Audit Committee, depending on the charges. A complaint involving the town manager or superintendent may be made directly to the Audit Committee through the EthicsPoint hotline or Web site.

Residents can use a password to track the progress of their complaint.

 Tags  EthicsPoint hotline North Kingstown Rhode Island town Web site whistleblower

Comments

Dan said:

Boy, there's a system Narragansett will never try!

Link | December 2, 2008 5:55 PM
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