Guidelines for Whistleblower Disclosures of Classified Information
Whistleblower disclosures of classified information must follow specific guidelines to avoid legal repercussions. The USDA provides proper channels for reporting classified or restricted information, including secure telephone lines within the OIG. Presidential Policy Directive 19 (PPD-19) prohibits retaliation against employees making protected disclosures. The directive includes an internal review and external appeal process for personnel with security clearances. Adherence to these procedures is crucial to protect whistleblowers and classified information.
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Presentation Transcript
Classified Information? You can disclose classified information as part of a whistleblower disclosure, but you have to follow the appropriate guidelines. Edward Snowden has been in the news lately. Some may consider their actions justified. However, he has been indicted by federal prosecutors for his actions. So far as the U.S. Government is concerned, if you publicly disclose classified information, it is a crime. There is a real risk you may wind up in prison.
Proper Channels for Disclosing Classified or Restricted Information Classified/otherwise restricted information disclosures are protected disclosures if made only to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), cleared individuals within OIG, or members of Congress in an appropriate manner. USDA s policy can be found at: Departmental Regulation-4600-002. The Bottom Line: When done right, disclosures to appropriate officials are authorized, even if information is classified or protected by other statutes.
Classified Reporting within USDA USDA has two secure telephone lines established to directly receive classified complaints containing classified information. Both lines are housed within OIG. The phone numbers will be posted in all USDA secure facilities. These phone numbers are 816-926-7937 and 202-720-9731. If reporting classified information, the complainant should directly state the classification level of the information which they are referencing in their report. The complainant can be assured that the OIG representative with whom they communicate will have the appropriate clearance.
Presidential Policy Directive 19 (PPD-19) PPD-19 was passed in October of 2012, which prohibits taking, failing to take or threatening to take a personnel action or making a decision impacting an employee s eligibility for access to classified information in reprisal for making a protected disclosure. USDA s policy for implementation of PPD-19 is formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding between OIG and the Department s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination.
PPD-19 continued Applies only to personnel who hold a security clearance. Includes an internal review process conducted within OIG. Allows for an external appeal process using an External Review Panel comprised of three Inspectors General. PPD-19 is located on the Ombudsman website resource page.
