The Whistleblower Protection Code (KCC 3.42) is a way for King County employees to report suspected improper governmental action. Improper governmental action means any action by a county employee while performing official duties that also meets one of the following criteria:

• violates county, state or federal law or rule
• constitutes an abuse of authority
• constitutes gross mismanagement
• creates a substantial danger to the public health or safety
• results in a gross waste of public funds
• prevents the dissemination of scientific opinion or alters technical findings without scientifically valid justification.

Employees who, in good faith, report improper governmental action, or who cooperate in a whistleblower investigation, are protected from retaliation.

Where to report varies depending upon the type of improper governmental action. We encourage employees to contact us before filing a whistleblower or retaliation complaint. 

• Whistleblower guide [.pdf]
• Whistleblower Protection Code Summary [.pdf]
• Whistleblower Complaint Form [.pdf]
• Whistleblower Retaliation Complaint Form [.pdf]

Alternate formats for persons with disabilities available upon request.