Whistleblower Protection and Confidentiality

Complaints Made by Amtrak Employees

In accordance with section 7 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (the IG Act), as amended, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an Amtrak employee, disclose the identity of the employee without the consent of the employee unless the Inspector General determines such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of an investigation, or by court order.

Furthermore, the IG Act provides that Amtrak may not take or threaten to take any action against any employee as a reprisal for making a complaint or disclosing information to an Inspector General, unless the complaint information was disclosed with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity. Complaints regarding retaliation or reprisal may be filed with the Amtrak OIG, using the reporting methods set out in the Tip Hotline.

Complaints Made by Third Persons

Complainants who are not Amtrak employees do not have an automatic right to confidentiality under section 7 of the IG Act. However, third parties or non-Amtrak employees may specifically request confidentiality, and the OIG will protect the confidentiality of such complainants to the maximum extent permitted by law (for example, by using applicable exemptions and exclusions of the Freedom of Information Act). Other statutes or provisions may provide rights with respect to third parties, such as that provided under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Anonymity

If you do not wish to disclose your identity, you may remain anonymous when contacting the OIG regarding allegations of fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement. Please keep in mind that anonymity may impede a quick or thorough investigation or the success of a later prosecution. In the event that you claim retaliation or reprisal, it may be necessary for you to disclose your identity to ensure a proper investigation.