Professional Responsibility Hotline

The Professional Responsibility Section (PRS) maintains a hotline for the purpose of receiving complaints of ethical misconduct or criminal behavior involving County Operations and Programs within the County Administrator's Office.

The County Administrator, as chief executive, has also authorized the Professional Responsibility Section to conduct investigations of allegations of violations of Florida Statute 112.3187, the “Whistle-blower’s Act" within the County Administrator’s Office.

The purpose of the Professional Responsibility Hotline is to receive complaints or inquiries about:

• Retaliation
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Harassment and Discrimination Issues
• Workplace Violence Issues
• Criminal Activity
• Conflicts of Interest
• Ethical Concerns

PRS requests the following information if a call is placed to the hotline:

• the caller's name
• contact telephone number
• a description of the issue.
  
  All calls will be returned if the caller provides a method of contact.

Individuals who contact the hotline are not required to identify themselves. However, persons who report allegations are encouraged to identify themselves in the event additional questions arise as PRS evaluates their allegations. Allegations with limited details or merit may be held in abeyance or closed until further, specific details are reported or obtained. PRS will not disclose the identity of an individual who provides information without the consent of that individual, unless PRS determines that such disclosure is unavoidable during the course of an investigation, or disclosure is required by law.

Upon receipt of a specific, credible allegation of misconduct, PRS may take any of the following actions: open an administrative investigation, refer the complaint to a more appropriate county office, and/or refer the complaint to law enforcement or other appropriate government agency.

Those wishing to contact PRS with information or inquiries are provided these alternative methods of contact, in addition to the hotline number.

Hotline: 813-903-3449

Fax #: 813-903-3350

U.S. Mail: CPPRA
Professional Responsibility Section
8900 N. Armenia Ave. Suite 226
Tampa, Florida 33604