On whose direction can the Hearing Officer take protective action for a whistle-blower?

Under the PERA Force Laws, the Hearing Officer is empowered to take protective action for a whistle-blower but only on the direction of the Authority or the Board. This provision ensures that the process of granting protection remains legally authorized, transparent, and accountable. The Authority or the Board reviews the situation to determine whether the whistle-blower faces genuine risk or threat, and upon their direction, the Hearing Officer implements the necessary protective measures.

This legal framework creates a clear chain of command—the Authority or Board issues the directive, while the Hearing Officer executes the protection orders. Such structure prevents arbitrary decisions and ensures that all protective actions are consistent with the procedures and intent of the PERA Act.

Protective actions may include keeping the whistle-blower’s identity confidential, securing their workplace safety, or providing additional assistance if threats or retaliation are suspected. By empowering the Hearing Officer under the Authority’s supervision, PERA maintains a balance between legal oversight and swift response to any risk faced by the whistle-blower.

This coordination between the Authority, Board, and Hearing Officer reflects the Act’s strong commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of honest informants. It assures citizens that their disclosures will be treated with seriousness, confidentiality, and care under the rule of law.