The County of San Mateo strongly believes that a high standard of ethical behavior by its employees is critical to accomplishing the County’s mission.  By preventing, to the extent possible with reasonable resources, unethical behavior and/or internal control failures, public confidence in the stewardship of the County’s resources can be maintained.

To uphold these standards, all individuals are encouraged to report possible violations of laws, regulations and rules governing the conduct of County officers and employees. 

Any retaliation or reprisal by any County officer or employee against any complainant or informant is strictly prohibited; provided, however, if it is determined that a complaint was filed by a County employee in bad faith, said employee may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.  This prohibition against retaliation is in addition to the protections contained in California Labor Code section 1102.5, and any amendment thereto.

Filing a Complaint:

If you believe that a County employee or officer has engaged in improper governmental activity including, but not limited to, fraud, waste, and abuse of County resources, you are encouraged to report such suspected improper activity through one of the following means:

  • Call the County’s toll-free “Whistleblower Hotline” at 855-387-2497
  • Submit information online at www.reportlineweb.com/smcgov
  • Obtain a complaint form from the Office of the County Attorney at 500 County Center, 4th Floor, Redwood City, CA or call the office at 650-363-4250 during regular business hours. Completed forms regarding suspected improper governmental activity may be submitted to any of the following County offices:
    • Office of the County Executive's Office/Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
      500 County Center, 5th Floor
      Redwood City, CA  94063
    • Office of the District Attorney
      500 County Center, 3rd Floor
      Redwood City, CA  94063
    • County Attorney's Office
      500 County Center, 4th Floor
      Redwood City, CA  94063
      Telephone:  (650) 363-4250

All reports of suspected improper governmental activity –whether made via telephone, online, or through submission of a hard-copy form – may be made anonymously.  Please note, however, that anonymous complaints may be more difficult to investigate or review due to an inability to contact the source for further information or clarification.