Fraud Hotline → FAQ
The MCPS hotline is a mechanism by which any concerned individual can submit an alleged incident of fraud, waste, or abuse to a contracted third-party independent service provider.
MCPS implemented its hotline on February 1, 2010, to provide another deterrent to fraud, waste or abuse in the school system, and to communicate its commitment to protect public resources.
The purpose of the hotline is to make it easier for a concerned individual to report possible fraud, waste, and abuse. An MCPS employee should first consider reporting any allegation of fraud, waste, or abuse to his/her immediate supervisor. If remaining anonymous is a consideration, he/she should use the hotline to report the allegation.
Fraud is the commitment of an intentional action that is characterized either by deceit, concealment or violation of trust. Fraud is perpetrated by an individual to obtain money, property or services to which the individual committing the fraud would not be entitled to receive.
Waste is the inefficient use of MCPS resources. MCPS funds are wasted when they are used for unnecessary or extravagant expenditures. MCPS property is wasted when it is used in a greater quantity than would normally be necessary for completing an activity.
Abuse is the wrongful or improper use of MCPS resources that include the deliberate use of one’s position to act in a manner that is contrary to its rightful or legally authorized intended purpose.
The Board of Education (BOE) has demonstrated a commitment to protecting MCPS resources as well as maintaining high standards of integrity in the workplace to establish an environment that is both positive and productive in nature. By reporting any alleged illegal or improper activity, you are assisting the BOE with its commitment.
The hotline is designed to accept reports from any concerned individual.
The hotline is available on a 24-hour basis, seven days per week and has the capacity to receive anonymous reports in over 140 languages. Information can be provided to the hotline by any one of the following three methods:
Toll free telephone number: 877-268-8620
Web-based access: http://www.lighthouse-services.com/mcps (Click on Submit Incident Report button.)
E-mail address: reports@lighthouse-services.com
MCPS has contracted with Lighthouse Services, Inc., an independent company that provides hotline services to more than 700 customers. The hotline provides a confidential means to anonymously report fraud, waste, or abuse.
MCPS has contracted with Lighthouse Services, Inc., an independent company that provides hotline services to more than 700 customers. The hotline provides a confidential means to anonymously report fraud, waste, or abuse.
Issues That Should Be Reported Via Hotline |
Issues That Should Not Be Reported Via Hotline |
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When you call, you can expect a professional, courteous, and thorough interview conducted by a hotline operator from Lighthouse, the MCPS independent hotline contractor, who will guide you through a series of questions. Whether you make your report via telephone, web, or email, include as many details of the incident that are relevant.
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You may add any additional comments you believe might be helpful for an expeditious resolution to your reported incident.
Yes. You may choose to remain anonymous. However, please keep in mind that your decision for anonymity may limit our ability to conduct a complete investigation.
If you identify yourself to the hotline service provider, your identity will only be provided to the Internal Audit Unit (IAU) or the Department of Performance Evaluation and Compliance (DPEC), depending on the type of incident reported. Should the investigation require other MCPS management to become involved, they also would need to be informed. Further, if an investigation results in criminal prosecution, it is possible that the records of IAU or DPEC may be subpoenaed by the court.