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Oxnard staff outlines whistleblower confidentiality rules and exceptions
Summary
City staff said whistleblower reports remain confidential during intake and investigation unless the complainant waives confidentiality or disclosure is required by law enforcement in a criminal investigation.
Annie Jensen told the Finance and Governance Committee that confidentiality is a central feature of Oxnard City's whistleblower policy. "These complaints must remain confidential, and the identity of the complainant may not be revealed without the permission of the complainant, except to an appropriate law enforcement agency conducting a criminal investigation," she said, outlining the policy's limits.
Jensen added that whether or not a reporter remains anonymous, the report remains confidential during intake and investigation to the extent permitted by law unless the reporter elects to waive confidentiality in writing or disclosure is required for a law enforcement criminal investigation. She said staff will follow the policy's procedures and coordinate with the internal auditor when investigations are conducted.
