A. No person shall retaliate against, punish, intimidate, discourage, threaten or penalize any other person for reporting misconduct, making a misconduct complaint, conducting an investigation, complaining to officials, providing information, testimony or documents in an investigation or cooperating with or assisting the OAT in the performance of its powers and duties as set forth in this chapter.

B. Any employee who violates this provision shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment.

C. The remedies specified herein are cumulative and the City Manager, or the City Attorney, may proceed under these or any other remedies authorized by law. In addition to any other authorized remedies, a person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day of violation may be a separate offense.

D. The OAT shall develop specialized processes to intake and investigate complaints made by officers within the Department that prefer to remain anonymous. The OAT shall recommend to the City Manager processes to protect potential whistleblowers or informers. (Ord. No. G-6851, § 1, 2021)