Invited to Sacramento this week, City Auditor Laura Doud testified before the California State Assembly Local Government Committee to support AB 2001 (Swanson), or “Whistleblower” legislation, which serves to ensure anonymity for those reporting municipal theft or fraud.
“As a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, I know that fraud is a very serious problem that all local governments contend with and the City of Long Beach is no exception,” Doud told the Committee. “We encourage all City employees, citizens, contractors and other interested parties to be alert and report any suspected fraud against the City.”
The Whistleblower legislation has gained crucial support recently, included endorsements from the City Auditors of Los Angeles and Berkeley, and the Association of Local Government Auditors. Doud’s office recently implemented an anonymous hotline to contribute to fraud prevention efforts.