Much has been said about whistleblowing lately. As clearance holders, this fact must be abundantly clear: to reveal classified information outside authorized channels is at minimum a security violation. At most, it’s a crime. The purpose of this discussion is to show you how to properly report wrongdoing in a classified setting.
A “how to” guide for whistleblowers
I was flipping through a recent edition of a science magazine and imagine my surprise to see a “how-to” guide for whistleblowers. Yes, in a handy graphic, you see how to secretly, electronically, reveal your company’s misdeeds to outside organizations. Naturally, it shows which methods of communication with the outside world are likely to lead to your arrest. Of course they don’t use the word “arrest” in the graphic. They prefer the colloquial, but inaccurately less scary, “busted.”
The graphic also depicts several methods of releasing a “tell all” to a news source (or someone claiming to be such). Of course, bear in mind, the same methods used by whistleblowers are those used by spies, too. But unlike the creators of this handy graphic, clearance holders should want to know how to properly report violations – not how to avoid proper reporting by going “outside the system.”
Clearance Holders Need to Follow the Proper Channels
We should begin by pointing out that good systems are in place in the classified world to report wrongdoing. And where one fails, there are others available which are equally legitimate.
Clearance holders need to know how to properly report violations of ethics, rules, and laws in their companies. Every company has (or should have) regularly scheduled briefings for their employees. For instance, in the federal government, annual briefings are given to personnel on ethics and awareness of the chain of authority. These briefings tell them how to report violations of the rules, ethics, and laws governing their jobs and classified information.
A “What If” Scenario for reporting issues
Suppose you are told to do something which you judge to be ethically or legally wrong.
- You should immediately express your concerns to the supervisor who is advising you to do this. If he responds with clear regulatory guidance, you can proceed. However, make a note of your discussion.
- If you still feel this is problematic, ask for this requirement in writing. You want clarity on what you’re being asked to do. If he refuses, advise him you’d like to consult his boss. (At this point you may be thinking “Whoa, this isn’t easy!” No, it is not. You find yourself in conflict with your boss.)
- If after this you still feel troubled, contact your company legal team. You are authorized to go outside the chain of command if you are aware of wrongdoing and do not trust the chain of command to act.
- Because you hold a clearance, and government information is at risk, you can also contact your supporting Defense Security Service personnel for guidance. Or if you suspect fraud, contact your fraud inspectors at the federal agency for which your company holds its clearance authority. Needless to add, you can also call the FBI.
All of this should be explained clearly by your employer. Contact information may be provided in your regular briefings (so, stay awake and keep the slides).
Protect yourself and the trust of the American people
Knowing this, and having this many avenues to proceed, no one should feel compelled to go outside the controlled information channels. No one should ever need to become a whistleblower, because there are adequate means to report perceived wrongdoing. This way, even if actual wrongdoing is going on, you are protected in reporting it properly; you are acting to keep secret the information at stake in your program.
Do not chance whistleblowing with those who have no interest in protecting you or the information you are bound to protect. Rare indeed is the case which properly reported information is not well investigated. Remember, the federal investigative agencies exist to protect the interests of the government. That means they exist to protect those who are the government. In other words: you.
If you’re the security officer or human resources manager in your organization, make sure your company has regularly scheduled briefings on how to know, identify, and report violations which could jeopardize the classified information you are bound to protect. When individuals know what to do, they won’t feel left with no recourse other than to violate security protocols to report a problem.
