Making Government on All Levels Accountable for
Retaliation & Reprisal
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The most common type of abuse experienced at the federal level by wildlife specialists, especially small not-for-profit businesses, is retaliation and/or reprisal, especially if such a business challenged a determination and/or actions of a governmental entity.
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Federal
See Report for the F.E.A.R. Law "Whistleblower Act" Small Business Advocate(s) - not effective and may even add to the retaliation; Office of the Attorney General - usually ignores complaints Department of Justice - usually ignores complaints Inspector General of the Federal Government - may not ignore complaint but does not communicate with complaintant so how would the person know? Environmental Protection Agency - usually ignores complaints |
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USDA-Sponsored Programs
Small Business Advocate for USDA - not recommended. This seems to be merely a "token" program (a.k.a. for appearance purposes only). It is common to have the person designated to assist with the complaint wait the full six months he or she is allotted to send a response and then when the response is sent to the complaintant, it is one of scolding and complete dismissal of the complaint. EEO - good luck! USDA Inspector General - most effective course of action although there are noticeable limitations one of which involves the lack of transparency of the agency to the complaintants. Hence, there is absolutely no communication between the agency and the complaintant so he or she will not even be able to confirm receipt of the complaint without having to call the hotline. Other than that, you will be lucky to get your case number and will not get any details whatsoever on the case, its progress and/or status and of course, the outcome of it. Generally-speaking, this office seems more of a record-keeping entity than one which effectively handles complaints which result in resolutions. The Appeal Program for Inspection Reports for Class A, B and C Licensees (among others such as Licensed Animal Carriers, Research Facilities, etc.) - this seems to be merely a "token" program (a.k.a. for appearance purposes only). It is common to have the person contacted to assist with the complaint to wait the full six months he or she is allotted to draft a response and then when the response is sent to the complaintant, it is one of scolding and complete dismissal of the complaint. Judiciary In New York State, Commission on Judicial Ethics (there probably is a comparable commission in other states) - a very small percentage of complaints are chosen to be presented to the Commission which meets in person and discussees the complaint. If the Commission decides to investigate the complaint, the decision to either prosecute the judge or dismiss the complaint will be taken. Most complaintants who have been fortunate enough to have their applications chosen to be put before the Commission are not satisfied with the outcome. There appears to be no rhyme or reason as to the decisions the Commission makes and, of course, complaintants are not allowed to see any documents or files kept on the case. State Agencies & Departments "SBA" Small Business Advocate(s) - cannot enforce or investigate any complaints. "EEOC" Mixed results from those who have taken this avenue "OIG" Office of the Inspector General "OAG" Office of the Attorney General of the State Internal Auditor (typically a member of the agency's General Counsel) of the State Agency which is subject to the complaint County Government "Board of Supervisors" of the County County Compliance Officer State Agency of Towns & Municipalities Town & Village Government One of the most common problems with town and village governments involves zoning & planning. County Offices |
