Rhode Island General Laws Title 35. Public Finance § 35-7.1-7. Complaint--Investigation

(a) The chief shall accept and may investigate or audit complaints or information from any identified individual concerning the possible existence of any activity constituting fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement relating to programs and operations of public bodies.

(b) The chief shall not, after receipt of a complaint or information from an employee, contractor, or private citizen who requests confidentiality, disclose the identity of that individual, without the written consent of said individual, unless the chief determines such disclosure is necessary and unavoidable during the course of an investigation. In such event, the individual filing the complaint shall be notified, if possible, immediately of such disclosure.

(c) Employees are protected under the chapter 50 of title 28 “Rhode Island Whistleblowers’ Protection Act.”