City officials are raising concerns about the effectiveness of whistleblower protections in New York City, as recent discussions reveal a slight uptick in corruption complaints but a puzzling decline in formal whistleblower reports. During a government meeting on June 14, 2025, representatives from the Department of Investigation (DOI) shared insights into the reporting landscape, noting that larger city agencies tend to generate more complaints due to their size and the number of employees.

The DOI reported that complaints have increased from approximately 12,000 in 2022 to between 14,000 and 15,000 in recent years, indicating a growing awareness among city employees about the importance of reporting misconduct. However, the number of formal whistleblower complaints has not seen a corresponding rise since changes to the city’s whistleblower law in 2021. This has led to speculation about the effectiveness of the law and whether it adequately protects those who report wrongdoing.

Commissioner representatives acknowledged that while they have received more complaints overall, the nature of whistleblower reports has shifted. They suggested that improved education among investigators may have led to better categorization of complaints, with some reports being classified as regular retaliation complaints rather than whistleblower allegations. This distinction is crucial, as city law requires specific reporting channels that may deter employees from coming forward.

Concerns were also raised about the intimidation employees feel when considering reporting misconduct. The DOI has not conducted integrity tests to assess reporting behavior, focusing instead on investigating actual misconduct brought to their attention. Officials emphasized the need for ongoing education and engagement with employees to address barriers to reporting.

As the city grapples with these challenges, the DOI remains committed to fostering an environment where employees feel safe and supported in reporting corruption. The discussions highlight the need for continued evaluation of whistleblower protections to ensure they effectively encourage transparency and accountability within city agencies.