Enforcement
- Details
- Parent Category: ROOT
The Ethics Division of the Office of the Inspector General investigates and brings enforcement actions against city officials, employees, and prohibited sources that violate the Code of Ethics. Many cases begin as a complaint or report made to the Ethics Division or the City's Integrity Line (24/7 web and phone hotline). The Division may refer complaints/reports to other agencies when appropriate.
Reporting Potential Violations
To report an ethics violation or file a complaint, you may:
- Call the Ethics Office at (404) 330-6286
- Call the Integrity Hotline at 1-800-884-0911 or file a report online at www.atlantaga.ethicspoint.com
- Send an E-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- File a written complaint
Penalties
If the Ethics Division finds that the Ethics Code has been violated, it may impose an administrative sanction of up to $1,000 for each violation, issue a public reprimand, and order the recovery of any gratuity. The Division may also recommend disciplinary action for employees and the suspension or disqualification of a contractor.
Enforcement Procedures
The Ethics Division conducts a preliminary review of formal complaints/Integrity Line Reports/departmental referrals and other tips received to determine whether the Division has jurisdiction to investigate pursuant to the City's Standards of Conduct ("Code of Ethics"). If the Division's preliminary review provides sufficient facts to allege a potential violation of the Code of Ethics, the Division opens a formal ethics case and determines whether there is probable cause to believe that the Code of Ethics has been violated. If the Ethics Officer finds that based on a preponderance of the evidence, the Code of Ethics has been violated, the person(s) alleged to have violated is notified of the Division's decision and of any accompanying penalties and recommended discplianry or disqualifying action pursuant to the .
Board Rules and Regulations
The Division has adopted rules governing complaints, investigations, enforcement hearings, and the disposition of cases.
Public Records
The records in all enforcement cases are subject to the Open Records Act and may be reviewed 10 days after the case is closed.