Whistleblowing

Overview

Government officials and employees may make mistakes or engage in activities inconsistent with the requirements of their positions or that violate public trust. It is to the jurisdiction's benefit, and to the public trust, to identify improper actions and take curative actions. Often, this may not be possible unless someone (such as an employee) reports the improper actions (referred to as "whistleblowing"). However, an employee may fear making a report adverse to an official or a superior because of a worry that, in return, an adverse action will be taken against them. Whistleblowing laws and policies guard against this presumed risk by prohibiting adverse retaliatory actions against the whistleblower.

Washington State Laws

• Ch. 42.41 RCW – Local Government Whistleblower Protection
• Ch.42.40 RCW – State Employee Whistleblower Protection

Federal Laws

• U.S. Department of Labor: Federal Whistleblower Statutes – The federal whistleblower act is administered by the federal Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This page provides information on filing complaints, investigations, tips for creating anti-retaliation programs, and additional fact sheets on the federal Whistleblower Protection Act and regulations.

Examples of Whistleblower Policies

The following ordinances or policies set out procedures to follow when an officer or employee alleges improper action by another employee or officer.

Cities

• Bothell Whistleblower Policy (2021) – Outlines the local procedure for employee reporting of improper governmental action and steps to take if retaliation occurs.
• Chewelah Reporting Improper Governmental Action and Protecting Employees Against Retaliation (2025)
• Ellensburg Reporting Improper Governmental Action (2024) – City council investigates employees' written complaints about retaliation because of whistleblowing.
• Tumwater Employee Code of Ethics and Policy (Whistle Blower) (2011) – Combines employee code of ethics with whistleblower reporting procedures in the same section.
• Vancouver Employment Policy Manual Sec. 508 (2022) – Whistleblower Protection policy safeguards employees who make good faith reports of improper governmental action from "intimidation" or "retaliation." Policy defines these terms and establishes procedure for reporting and appealing.

County

• Chelan County Employee Handbook Sec. 1.20.200 – Generally mirrors state law but provides an alternative reporting procedure for district court employees.
• King County Code Title 3(.42) – Detailed discussion of the powers of officials investigating the reported misconduct, as well as the procedure for reporting improper governmental action.
• Mason County Reporting Improper Governmental Action (2024)

Special Purpose Districts

• Cowlitz County PUD No. 1 Board of Commissioners Governance Policy Art. XIII Sec. 2(i) (2015) – Prohibits retaliatory actions against district employees or officials, including action taken as a result of whistleblowing.
• Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Reporting Improper Governmental Action (2023) – The General Manager investigates whistleblowing complaints and retaliation claims.
• Port of Port Angeles Improper Governmental Action (2022)
• Skyway Water and Sewer District Retaliation and Whistleblower Protection (2016) – Provides clear description of what constitutes improper actions.

Recommended Resources

• Washington State Auditor's Office: State Employee Whistleblower Program – This page provides comprehensive information about the whistleblower program as it applies to state employees, including links to Frequently Asked Questions and the state Whistleblower Reporting Form.
• National Whistleblower Center – A nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting employees' lawful disclosure of waste, fraud, and abuse.