In a recent government meeting, Brian Smith, the acting city auditor, presented details about the city's newly implemented fraud, waste, and abuse hotline, which aims to enhance the reporting process for employees and citizens. The hotline, named EthicsPoint and provided by NavEx, went live just two weeks ago and is designed to encourage reporting of fraudulent activities within the city.

Smith highlighted that the previous reporting mechanism required individuals to contact the city marshal's office, with investigations reviewed by a fraud committee comprising the city manager, city attorney, and city auditor. However, a survey of 1,900 fraud cases revealed that tips are the most common method of identifying fraud, accounting for 43% of cases. This statistic underscores the necessity of a robust reporting system.

The new hotline allows users to report fraud anonymously, either through a live operator or an online platform. The reporting interface includes definitions of various types of fraud and provides users with the option to attach supporting documents. Reports are sent to the fraud committee, which meets monthly to evaluate and decide on the appropriate investigative actions.

The city has entered into a one-year contract for the hotline at a cost of approximately $11,000, which includes a package for up to 50 calls. Smith noted that the hotline has already received its first report, although it was ultimately unrelated to city operations.

The committee expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all city employees are aware of the hotline's existence and functionality. Plans are in place to distribute informational posters throughout the city to promote the hotline and its purpose.