230.82 Processing of information.

(1) A governmental unit to which an employee discloses information under s. 230.81 (1) shall process it as provided in this section. Within 30 days of receiving the information, the governmental unit shall either initially determine if it merits further investigation or refer the information to a governmental unit better able to initially determine if it merits further investigation. A governmental unit which initially determines information to merit further investigation shall, within 30 days of that determination, either commence a full investigation into the truth of the information or refer the information to a governmental unit better able to conduct such an investigation, which shall commence it within 30 days of referral. A governmental unit may disclose or refer information to an appropriate law enforcement agency or district or federal attorney as part of an investigation or in lieu of referral to another governmental unit, if the law enforcement agency or district or federal attorney is best able to conduct the investigation. Any full investigation commenced shall be completed within a reasonable time.

(2) A governmental unit which initially determines that information merits further investigation, or which after a full investigation finds information to be true, shall so inform the employee and his or her appointing authority in writing. A governmental unit which initially determines information not to merit further investigation, refers the information to another governmental unit or after a full investigation finds information to be untrue shall so inform the employee in writing.

(3) A governmental unit which investigates or otherwise processes information disclosed under s. 230.81 may require that an interview with any employee described in s. 230.80 (3), except a management or supervisory employee immediately involved in the subject matter of the information disclosed, be conducted outside the presence of the appointing authority or any representative or agent thereof unless the employee voluntarily requests that presence. An appointing authority shall permit an employee to be interviewed without loss of pay and to have an employee representative present at the interview. An appointing authority of an employee to be interviewed may require the governmental unit to give the appointing authority reasonable notice prior to the interview.

(4) A governmental unit shall keep the identity of the employee confidential until the governmental unit determines the information merits further investigation. If a governmental unit conducts a full investigation, it shall keep the identity of the employee confidential if it is reasonably possible to do so.

History: 1983 a. 409.