Fraud & Ethics Hotline

With the establishment of the Fraud & Ethics Hotline, the City of Mesa is taking a proactive stance against fraud.  The Hotline is an option for employees, contractors,  and vendors to report any illegal and/or unethical activity in connection with City operations.


Why should I use the Hotline?
Integrity matters.  Being honest and trustworthy in our dealings with each other and with citizens makes our City a better place to work and live.  Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that could have, and should have, been used to provide services to citizens.  Therefore, each of us has a responsibility to report suspected fraud or other improper activities, such as those listed below.

What types of things should I report?
You should speak up to report:

  • Accounting irregularities
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Falsification of records
  • Fraudulent insurance claims
  • Improper loans to executives
  • Kickbacks
  • Release of proprietary information
  • Retaliation against whistleblowers
  • Safety and sanitation issues
  • Theft of cash, equipment, supplies, services and even City time
  • Unauthorized discounts
  • Any other suspected fraudulent activity
Reporting an Issue

    Call:
    866-820-7812

    Visit:
    tnwinc.com/webreport

    E-mail: reportline@tnwinc.com

    Fax:
    800-748-6159 or
    770-409-5008

If you wish to report any issues or complaints to the City that do not fall under the categories listed here for the Hotline, please call or visit the Citizen Contact System.

Who manages the Hotline?
The City has contracted with an independent company, The Network, to operate the system.


When can I use the Hotline?
The Fraud & Ethics Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.


Can I remain anonymous?
Yes.  You do not have to give your name and The Network does not provide us with any other identifying information.


What happens when I use the Hotline?
If you call the Hotline, a trained interviewer will ask questions to obtain facts that will enable the City to investigate your complaint.  

If you report via the Web site, you will complete and submit a detailed form.  The form is received by The Network, not by the City.

If you choose to fax or e-mail a report, please be sure to reference the City of Mesa.  Please provide as much detail as possible to help the City investigate the complaint.  Again, the form is received by The Network, not by the City.

You will be assigned a case number, which you will use to reference your complaint if future communications with The Network are necessary.


How does the City learn about my complaint?
The Network sends a written report, within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, to the City Auditor's office.


What happens to my complaint?
The City Auditor staff will conduct a thorough analysis of your report. If additional information is required, The Network will be contacted to request further information from you. When you make your initial report, you will be asked to call back by a set date, to see if any further information was requested.  When sufficient information is available the case will be investigated by audit staff or, under certain circumstances, referred to the Mesa Police Department.  When the investigation is complete, we provide a report to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and Department Director.  The report will include our findings and recommendations for corrective action, if necessary. 
 
Often, corrective action is taken in a way that may not be readily apparent or communicated to other staff members.  Therefore, you should not assume that "no one did anything about it" just because you haven't heard anything.  If the activity you reported continues after a reasonable time to investigate it has passed, please contact The Network with your case number and the new information.  You may also contact the City Auditor directly at any time, at the number below.  We will protect your confidentiality and anonymity to the extent permitted by law.


Who do I call for more information?
Contact the City Auditor's office at 644-3767.