Investigations

The investigative function of the Florida Lottery Office of Inspector General is accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. The investigative process is designed to detect and deter fraud, waste, mismanagement, misconduct, and other abuses within the Lottery.

The Office of Inspector General conducts:

• Criminal Investigations when there is evidence to believe a violation of state or federal law has occurred;
• Administrative Investigations when there is evidence to believe a violation of Lottery rules, policies, or procedures has occurred; and
• Whistle-blower Investigations when a complainant has met the merits of the Florida Whistle-blower's Act.

Criminal and Administrative Investigations

Investigations are conducted in accordance with Section 20.055, Florida Statutes, the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Standards and the Association of Inspectors General best practices. These standards ensure the highest levels of professional practices are upheld throughout each investigation. Mandated standards include:

• Conducting each investigation free from actual or perceived impairments to independence;
• Minimum professional and educational qualifications as well as annual training requirements for investigators and investigative teams;
• Required periodic supervisory reviews of case progress and direction;
• Achievement of case milestones to ensure investigations are timely;
• Accurate and complete documentation, evidence gathering, and data analysis;
• Required consultation and or referral to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for special circumstances; and
• Consistent and fact-based reporting to the Lottery Secretary.

Whistle-blower Investigations

State employees, contractors, and contractor employees who submit a complaint relating to a substantial and specific danger to the public's health, safety, or welfare or a complaint relating to gross mismanagement, malfeasance, misfeasance, gross waste of public funds, or gross neglect of duty may be a designated "Whistle-blower," as defined by Section 112.3187-112.31895, Florida Statutes.

Whistle-blower investigations are conducted under the strict guidelines of the Whistle-blower's Act. Specifically, the identity of the complainant remains confidential and the Whistle-blower is protected from retaliation.