San Francisco whistleblower program reports increase in complaints since COVID-19

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on the ongoing operations and performance of the whistleblower program, highlighting trends in complaint reporting and case management.

The meeting began with a presentation detailing the volume of reports received since July 2012, noting a steady increase in complaints year-over-year, with a slight dip in the fourth quarter of the previous year. As of March 31, 2025, the program had received 186 complaints in the third quarter alone, indicating a return to pre-COVID reporting levels. The presentation also revealed that as of June 30, 2025, there were 68 open cases, down from 105 at the close of the previous fiscal year.

A significant portion of complaints is now submitted online, a shift attributed to the pandemic, which has limited in-person reporting options. The majority of reports are filed anonymously, and the program emphasizes the protection of whistleblower identities. The team aims to close 75% of cases within 90 days, achieving this target in the second quarter, although some cases are more complex and take longer to resolve.

The discussion also covered how complaints are categorized and processed. The program currently uses four main categories for complaints, including misuse of city funds and deficient government services. However, there is no specific category for corruption, which has prompted discussions about potentially breaking down complaints further to better track trends.

The meeting highlighted the importance of public awareness in driving the increase in complaints, linking it to both national attention on whistleblower protections and local incidents that have raised awareness among city employees. The presenters noted that despite the rise in complaints, the percentage resulting in corrective or preventative action has remained consistent, suggesting that the quality of complaints has not diminished.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the whistleblower program's commitment to transparency and accountability within San Francisco's government operations. The team plans to continue refining their processes and reporting methods, including the implementation of a new case management system designed to enhance data reporting and outcomes. Further discussions on categorizing complaints, particularly regarding corruption, are anticipated as the program seeks to improve its effectiveness and responsiveness to public concerns.