Threats of Property Damage
Property Damage Threats of property damage or the act damaging the property could cause the whistleblower to feel frustrated and violated. When someone willingly destroys or damages someone’s property it is a crime; moreover, the negligence and willful act could be traumatic to the whistleblower. Depending on the property that has been damaged, the actions […]
Verbal/Electronic Threats
Verbal Aggression/Verbal Harassment A whistleblower should be prepared to deal with verbal aggression and/or verbal harassment from individuals who do not agree with their whistleblowing actions. These individuals may deliberately use verbiage that might hurt, shame, or scare the whistleblower. These actions could also potentially cause emotional or psychological harm. Should the aggressor attack the […]
Threats of Disruptive Behavior or Disorderly Conduct
Disruptive Behavior/Disorderly Conduct Disruptive behavior is any behavior that interferes with work processes or flow. The behavior is severe enough that it hinders other employees from doing their jobs. Often the behavior includes aggression towards other employees, verbal arguments, or threats of violence. While this behavior should never be tolerated at the workplace, if a […]
Threats of Physical Harm
Mailed Threats Criminals or persons that are angry with a whistleblower’s actions could try to scare the whistleblower while attempting to remain anonymous by mailing a threat. Mailed threats are against the law as defined by 18 USC 876 (Mailing Threatening Communications). This violation is treated as a serious federal crime. As a precaution, a […]
Vigilance Procedures
Identify Risks and Best Practices Critical measures are required to thwart specific physical threats and to minimize vulnerability and risks. Technology whistleblowers should be prepared to work closely with trusted companions and/or law enforcement personnel as identified in this guide. Whistleblowers that have become well-known and are publicly identified due to their whistleblowing actions should, […]
COVID-19 Considerations
There is no shortage of apps being tested on workers due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. “Return to workplace,” “contact tracing,” “health passports,” and “temperature checks” are just some of the categories of new technologies. These apps, especially return-to-workplace and contact-tracing tools, may be mandated by the employer. These apps often come loaded with privacy […]
Safety When at Home
Media attention, corporate investigations, and other side effects of whistleblowing can cause anxiety and stress. Oftentimes this follows workers home. It is a good idea to be proactive and invest in “peace of mind” via in-home security technology. Some people feel better when they carry low-tech personal alarms like the eAlarm Plus 3rd generation from […]
When Speaking with Reporters
The motivations of your average reporter are complex. Journalism is more a calling than a job — thankless work all for a headline and a byline. Even a well-meaning editor or journalist can complicate your personal situation or put you at risk. We cannot expect all reporters to be experts on the latest ways whistleblowers […]
When It’s Time to Take a Stand
Only you can decide when it’s time to start taking action. Avoid using company devices for any of that effort. Even something that might seem small — for example, using work resources like Slack or other collaborative messaging platforms — it’s best to avoid using these tools, even if just to plan a time and […]
Before You Need It
Keep work data off personal devices and vice versa. Compartmentalize work and personal-life devices and data. Often an employer will give you the option to access work email, calendars, and data from your personal device. This may be a laptop or mobile phone. By electing to do this you may be inadvertently signing your device […]
