Zero Tolerance
The Port of San Diego’s Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention Policy (BPC Policy No. 630) promotes integrity, ethical decision-making, and accountability while preventing fraudulent or improper activities within the organization. The policy applies to all employees, commissioners, volunteers, contractors, and others doing business with the Port.
Key Definitions:
- Fraud: Intentional deception to gain an unfair advantage, including financial statement fraud, asset misappropriation, and corruption.
- Waste: Inefficient or careless use of Port funds or resources, often due to poor management decisions.
- Abuse: Improper use of Port assets or authority that does not necessarily involve fraud but results in harm or inefficiency.
- Improper Government Activity: Includes gross mismanagement, significant waste of public funds, abuse of authority, or risks to public health and safety.
Examples of Violations:
- Theft or misappropriation of funds and property
- Corruption, bribery, and conflicts of interest
- Falsification of records or payroll fraud
- Unauthorized use of Port resources
- Expense reimbursement fraud and time abuse
Reporting and Investigation Procedures:
- The Port maintains a confidential Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) Hotline for reporting suspected misconduct.
- Employees can report concerns internally through supervisors or directly to the Port Auditor, General Counsel, or Human Resources.
- External parties may report suspected fraud via the hotline or online platforms.
- Reports are investigated confidentially, with protections against retaliation for whistleblowers.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Office of the Port Auditor: Leads financial fraud investigations, manages the hotline, and reports findings to the Board of Port Commissioners.
- Office of the General Counsel: Investigates ethical violations and legal compliance matters.
- Human Resources: Handles personnel-related violations, such as harassment and workplace misconduct.
Prevention and Oversight:
- Regular internal audits and monitoring systems detect irregularities in financial transactions and operations.
- Training programs educate employees on identifying and preventing fraud.
- Disciplinary actions, including termination, may be taken against violators.
The policy reinforces the Port’s commitment to maintaining transparency, protecting public resources, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Reporting:
Phone: 888.203.8330
Online: Fraud, waste, and abuse online Reporting-Click here
Or scan the QR Code to open link on your phone:
